Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe focused on the unfair penalty that saw his side concede against Paris Saint-Germain in the dying embers of their UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday after it looked like the Magpies were headed for their second famous victory in the competition.
The Toons were looking to do a double over the 2019/20 Champions League finalists and went ahead at the Parc Des Princes in the 24th minute through Alexander Isak. They were not the better side on the night but thanks to some good defending and poor finishing from the big names in PSG’s attack, they held on for what looked like another famous victory.
The referee on the night, Szymon Marciniak, would end up ruining what was supposed to be a perfect night by awarding a penalty to the hosts after a VAR review, leading to Kylian Mbappe finally getting on the scoresheet after poor finishing and great Newcastle defending denied him many times during the game.
The decision has caused a storm on social media and English journos have come down hard on Marciniak. Some have called it retribution for the unfair VAR call that Arsenal had at their hands a little over a week ago. However, the opinion is unanimous.
Howe made his feelings on the penalty known in his debrief to journalists after the game. “In my opinion, it wasn’t the right decision,” insisted Howe in his post-match presser.
“It was a ricochet that when it is slowed down looks totally different 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.”
“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.”
Newcastle needed a win to increase their chances of making it to the round of 16 and while this draw still gives them an opportunity, they could still lose out of qualification or move down to the UEFA Europa League.
Howe had previously stated that fear of exiting the competition early would drive them to take the game to PSG. They did not do exactly that but were able to hold on to a goal that came from a well-worked attack only for their hard work to be undone by refereeing and VAR decisions.
Newcastle must now beat AC Milan and hope PSG lose to the already-qualified Borussia Dortmund so that they can move into the next round in second place.
Howe spoke about how hard the incident hit his team, then assured the fans that they would do all they can to remain in the competition.
“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 said. “That is tough to take after being so close to being in that position.”
“You have to look at what the players have given and I can’t be deflated by what they have given tonight.”
“We have been thrown in at the deep end with the group, with high-class opposition, great stadiums and brilliant atmospheres.”
“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.”
