The VAR official who awarded PSG a controversial last-gasp penalty that cost Newcastle a vital three points in their bid for the Champions League progression has been stood down by UEFA. Tomasz Kwiatkowski has been informed by the European governing body that he will not man the VAR for Real Sociedad and Red Bull Salzburg’s Champions League tie on Wednesday, indicating that he has been punished for his call during Tuesday night’s clash at Princes Park.
Newcastle looked to be en route to securing another famous victory over PSG after leading the game for 70 minutes courtesy of an Alexander Isak brace. However, PSG were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute of added time when the ball struck Tino Livramento’s arm inside the box.
The ball hit Livramento on the arm after bouncing off his chest as referee Szymon Marciniak waved play on although VAR Kwiatowski advised the on-field official to take a closer look on the monitor. After consulting the footage and communicating with VAR, Marciniak pointed to the spot as Kylian Mbappe converted his penalty to shatter Newcastle hearts.
The draw means that the Magpies progression in the competition is now out of their hands. Newcastle will need to beat AC Milan next week and hope that PSG drop points against Borussia Dortmund away from home in order to qualify for the knockout stages.
Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, said of the decision to award the penalty: “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, it is 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.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer branded the call “disgusting”. “Do me a f****** favour man. What a load of s***t,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“A superb battling away performance from every single player. Shouldn’t be spoilt by a disgusting decision. Well done @NUFC.” Former Newcastle and England star Michael Owen was equally unimpressed by the officiating. “Heartbreaking for @NUFC. Such a good performance. Never in a million years is that a penalty. We are further away from applying consistency to the handball rule than we’ve ever been. @ChampionsLeague,” he tweeted.
