Newcastle boss Eddie Howe rues penalty decision in PSG Champions League draw

PARIS – Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has hit out at the decision to award Paris Saint-Germain a last-gasp penalty that denied his team a Champions League win over the French giants on Nov 28.

The English Premier League side were leading 1-0 at the Parc des Princes thanks to Alexander Isak’s 24th-minute goal, until Polish referee Szymon Marciniak awarded PSG a penalty deep in stoppage time following a VAR (video assistant referee) check for handball by Tino Livramento.

The award appeared harsh, and Kylian Mbappe converted the spot kick to earn PSG a 1-1 draw that changes the outlook for both clubs going into the final round of matches in Group F.

“In my opinion, it wasn’t the right decision,” insisted Howe after the game.

“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.”

A win would have taken Newcastle into their final group game at home against AC Milan in December with their fate in their own hands in terms of securing qualification for the last 16.

Instead, the draw leaves them in third place on five points, and PSG (seven) will join the already-qualified Borussia Dortmund (10) in going through if they win their last game in Germany.

Newcastle must beat Milan at St James’ Park and also hope for a slip-up by PSG on Dec 13.

“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.

“That is tough to take after being so close to being in that position.”

Newcastle’s first Champions League campaign in two decades has so far been a story of ups and downs, with a goal-less draw with Milan in September and a 4-1 home win over PSG in October followed by consecutive losses against Dortmund.

At the end of the day, though, Howe reiterated that he had no complaints about his players’ efforts, especially how they tried to get over those defeats by giving it their all in Paris.

“You have to look at what the players have given and I can’t be deflated by what they have given tonight,” said the Magpies boss, who was hoping to mark his 46th birthday on Nov 29 with a victory.

Asked about his team’s European campaign so far, he added: “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.”

PSG coach Luis Enrique, meanwhile, was relieved that his side clinched a precious point.

He said: “It’s the Champions League. We all know the level of Newcastle. And the home fans were superb.

“We had at least 15 shots on goal with at least four big chances. We finally scored from the penalty in added time. It is the most important. And if we win the next match, we will be first.

“We will manage it (the Dortmund clash) like all matches. The only one who will rest will be Ousmane Dembele (due to suspension) and the rest we will see at that moment.” AFP