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 objective 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 pink card for denying a goal-scoring alternative, however after the examine, the referee selected to not take motion.
Nonetheless, 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 pink card and known as the decision a “large 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 goal on the French media and pundits.
“A variety of pundits stated that Liverpool received away with one on the night time – they usually did – however taking a look at that, you even have to have a look at the mentality that they confirmed,” Collymore wrote. “PSG created a lot of probabilities, they have been scoring a lot of targets within the build-up to the match, however they nonetheless couldn’t rating, and Liverpool managed to maintain a clear sheet.
“The truth now for PSG is that they will’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 objective. In the event that they try this, and likewise maintain a clear sheet, they’ve each likelihood of turning it round. However I believe in the event that they spent the subsequent week crying over the primary leg, they are going to strategy the second leg in the identical means, and Liverpool would benefit from that.
“I believe Konate was fortunate to not be despatched off. For me, it’s a pink card, however there have been 10 different incidents through the match you could say that about, and then you definately’re coping with hypotheticals. The truth is that on the pitch, the referee determined that it was not a pink 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.”