Newcastle coach Eddie Howe blasts controversial penalty decision in UCL fixture against PSG

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe in his post-match press conference, had strong words to describe the penalty decision in favour of PSG in the Champions League fixture.

PSG had been awarded a late penalty that secured them a draw in the fixture against Newcastle. The on-field decision by the referee Szymon Marciniak, initially stated that there was no penalty but his decision was subsequently changed after an advice from the VAR room to review his decision.

Eddie Howe in his post-match interview with TNT Sport stated that the referee should have stood with his decision and not succumbed to the pressure of PSG players who had surrounded the referee.

He said, "Yes, I do. It wasn't the right decision in my opinion. There are so many things to take into account at that moment, the speed first. It was a ricochet that when it is slowed down, looks completely different to the live event. The ball hits his chest first, comes up and hits his hand. But his hand is not in an unnatural position, they [his hands] are down by his side, but he is in a running motion. I feel it is a poor decision and it's hugely frustrating for us as you know how little time there is left in the game. There is nothing we can do about it now. What you don't take into account with those replays is how quick the ball goes. It hits his chest first. If it hits his hands first, well it's still not a penalty because he's so close. But you can make more of a case. It's not a penalty when it hits his chest first and then hits his hand which is low. I'm not allowed to sum it up. I can't say my inner thoughts obviously [I'd get in trouble]. I thought the referee was having a good game up until this moment. He had been strong."

UEFA also released a statement regarding the decisions made by the referee and VAR officials. The statement indicated that the officials had been dropped from officiating the next set of fixtures in the competition. It is, however, uncertain if further actions will be taken.

A win for Newcastle last night would have guaranteed the Magpies a spot in the round of 16 of the competition before their final fixture in the group stages.

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