In an interesting turn of events, UEFA, the governing body of the Champions League, has come forward with a clarification following the controversial penalty call in favor of PSG in last night’s game against Newcastle.
UEFA has officially clarified that “no handball offence should be called on a player if the ball is previously deflected from his own body.”
Mbappe equalized in the 98th minute against Newcastle United
The clarification has come after PSG was awarded an unfair penalty in the 98th minute of the UEFA Champions League Group F round-five game. Kylian Mbappe converted the penalty in the last minute of the game to snatch victory from Newcastle’s hands when they had successfully defended their 1:0 lead for the majority of the game.
Newcastle took the lead in the 24th minute of the game through Alexander Isak, who scored from a Donnaruma rebound mistake.
According to Opta data, Isak became the first player to score an away UCL goal for Newcastle since Alan Shearer vs. Inter in March 2003, 20 years ago.
“It’s a poor decision,” says Eddie Howe
Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, was left disappointed with the controversial decision as his side is now on the verge of dropping out of the UCL playoffs.
Speaking to the media in the post-match presser, Eddie Howe stated that, “(The penalty) wasn’t the right decision. The ball hits his chest first and then comes up and hits his hand, but I don’t think his hand is in an unnatural position.”
“I feel it’s a poor decision; I think it’s hugely frustrating for us because in that moment, you know how little time is left in the game,” the manager added.
UCL Group F standings after round 5
In the other Group F encounter on the night, Dortmund beat Milan 3:0 to extend their stay at the top of the league with 10 points from 5 games now and a top-two finish guaranteed.
PSG’s controversial escape through the last-minute penalty call against Newcastle sees them in second place with 7 points with a game left against table-topper Dortmund in the next UCL matchday on 14 December.
Newcastle is third on the table with 5 points from 5 games. They are tied on points with Milan but are 3rd because of a better goal difference.
For Newcastle to qualify for the next round of the UCL, they need to beat Milan in their last group game and hope Dortmund doesn’t let PSG get any points in their Group F’s last encounter.
