Howe laments penalty ruling in Newcastle’s draw with PSG in Champions League

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe expressed his discontent with the decision to award Paris Saint-Germain a last-minute penalty, which resulted in his team being denied a Champions League victory against the French club on Tuesday.

The Premier League side had been leading 1-0 at the Parc des Princes, thanks to Alexander Isak’s 25th-minute goal. However, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak awarded PSG a penalty deep in injury time following a VAR check for a handball by Tino Livramento.

The penalty appeared to be a harsh call, and Kylian Mbappe converted the spot-kick to secure a 1-1 draw, significantly affecting both clubs’ positions going into the final round of Group F matches.

“In my opinion, it wasn’t the right decision,” insisted Howe during a post-game conference with reporters. “It was a ricochet that looks totally different when slowed down as opposed to the live event.

“It hits his hand, but I don’t think his hand is in an unnatural position. I feel it is a poor decision,” Howe added. “It is hugely frustrating for us because at that moment you know how little time there is left in the game, but there is nothing we can do about it now.”

A victory would have positioned Newcastle favorably for their final group game against AC Milan next month, giving them a chance to secure qualification for the last 16.

However, the draw leaves them in third place, and PSG will advance to the next round if they win their last game. Newcastle must beat Milan at St James’ Park and hope for a PSG slip-up on the final matchday.

“I just feel for the players after what they have given and for how they have performed in very difficult circumstances, and what that decision does to the group because now the destiny is not with us,” Howe added.

Newcastle’s first Champions League campaign in two decades has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. “You have to look at what the players have given and I can’t be deflated by what they have given tonight,” said Howe.

Addressing his team’s European campaign so far, Howe emphasized, “We are desperate to stay in the competition and show a better version of ourselves because I don’t think people have seen that yet.”

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