28 November 2023 , 22:12
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Newcastle legend Alan Shearer branded the decision to award Paris Saint-Germain a last-gasp penalty as a "load of s**t".
The Magpies were moments away from sealing a memorable win at the Parc des Princes, when Tino Livramento was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. Referee Szymon Marciniak initially waved away protests, but after been told by the VAR to consult the pitchside monitor, he overturned his decision.
That was despite replays showing Ousmane Dembele's cross coming off Livramento's chest before it hit his outstretched arm. Nevertheless, a penalty was awarded and Kylian Mbappe made no mistake with the thrilling encounter ending 1-1.
Shearer quickly responded to the incident on social media, posting: "Do me a f***ing favour man. What a load of s**t". His Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker saw the incident in the same way, adding: "How on earth is that a penalty for PSG. Ludicrous!"
BT Sport pundit Jermaine Jenas said: "I think that’s a shocker from the referee. He had such a good game and to give that right at the end, he’s caved to be honest with you.
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"I think the players from Paris Saint-Germain put so much pressure on him throughout the match, he’d performed so well, but for that to happen in that moment like that, it doesn’t feel right.
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"It’ll be a tough one to swallow for the players but Eddie Howe should be so proud of his team. They’re down to their bare bones, they’ve worked their socks off and they should’ve left Paris with all three points."
Ally McCoist was on commentary for the broadcaster and was adamant a penalty wouldn't be given as the process went on, only to see Marciniak point to the spot. "That is a shambles! Honestly, that’s not on. It hits his chest, goes off his left elbow. If that’s a penalty, we may as well give the game up!" McCoist ranted.
Kylian Mbappe made no mistake from the spot (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)"It’s never a penalty, we’ve been singing his praises all night. If he’s the best ref in the business, how has he given that?! There is no way that that penalty kick should be given. That’s not on, I feel for Eddie Howe and those players, I genuinely do. It’s bordering on robbery, it really is."
Newcastle headed to the French capital knowing they had to avoid defeat to preserve their hopes of progressing to the Champions League knockouts. And after weathering an early storm, the Magpies hit the front when Alexander Isak pounced on a Gianluigi Donnarumma error after Miguel Almiron's effort.
Howe, who made the trip with an injury ravaged squad, saw his starting 11 then hold off the French champions for all of normal time, with Mbappe and Co. missing a host of chances. The job was almost done, until controversy struck in the final throes.
Thanks to Borussia Dortmund's win over AC Milan, Newcastle's fate is now out of their hands with PSG able to qualify with a final game win over the Germans. The Magpies meanwhile will host Milan in a fortnight, knowing they could finish anywhere from group runners-up, to out of Europe altogether.