Paris Saint-Germain had a number of probabilities however couldn’t capitalize, falling 1-0 to Liverpool on Wednesday night time at Parc des Princes within the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16 tie.
The one purpose got here late within the second half, however essentially the most mentioned second of the match occurred halfway by the primary. Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate fouled Bradley Barcola.
VAR reviewed the incident to find out if it warranted a crimson card for denying a goal-scoring alternative, however after the test, the referee selected to not take motion.
Nevertheless, the choice has sparked backlash within the French media. RMC Sport’s Jérôme Rothen criticized the refereeing, calling it subpar throughout PSG’s 1-0 defeat. He argued that Konate’s foul on Barcola ought to have resulted in a crimson card and known as the decision a “enormous mistake.”
Former participant requires French media to “cease crying”
In his unique column for , former Aston Villa and Liverpool ahead Stan Collymore shared his ideas on the controversial second and likewise took intention on the French media and pundits.
“Plenty of pundits mentioned that Liverpool received away with one on the night time – they usually did – however that, you even have to have a look at the mentality that they confirmed,” Collymore wrote. “PSG created numerous probabilities, they have been scoring numerous objectives within the build-up to the match, however they nonetheless couldn’t rating, and Liverpool managed to maintain a clear sheet.
“The fact now for PSG is that they’ll’t have any excuses at Anfield. Their gamers, teaching employees, in addition to the French media and pundits, they should cease crying and go to Anfield and be extra scientific in entrance of purpose. In the event that they do this, and likewise maintain a clear sheet, they’ve each probability of turning it round. However I believe in the event that they spent the subsequent week crying over the primary leg, they may method the second leg in the identical manner, and Liverpool would make the most of that.
“I believe Konate was fortunate to not be despatched off. For me, it’s a crimson card, however there have been 10 different incidents in the course of the match that you could say that about, and you then’re coping with hypotheticals. The fact is that on the pitch, the referee determined that it was not a crimson card. On this incident, I believe there was a little bit of an agenda behind it, and it has primarily been pushed by the French media.”