UEFA has officially broken their silence regarding the decision to controversially overturn a penalty kick for Paris Saint-Germain, after Ibrahima Konate tangled with Warren Zaire-Emery clumsily.
Liverpool weren’t comprehensively beaten in the Champions League on Wednesday night at the Parc Des Princes, but it was far from an awe-inspiring performance from Arne Slot’s side.
Indeed, they could only muster up three shots on the PSG goal, while, if it hadn’t been for the agile reflexes of Giorgi Mamardashvili, the final scoreline would’ve stung a lot more than the 2-0 loss that was handed out.
On another night, too, Paris Saint Germain could have soared into a three-goal lead, as referee Jose Maria Sanchez would point to the penalty spot on the 70th-minute mark, after Konate was judged to have fouled Zaire-Emery, before he could muster up an effort at the busy Georgian.
To the relief of the towering Frenchman, VAR would overturn this call, with the number five also at the centre of another penalty shout, when Nuno Mendes went down in the box late on, off another assertive challenge.
He would be spared his blushes, as neither penalty shout went the way of Luis Enrique’s hosts, with UEFA now coming out to clarify why VAR decided to overturn Maria Sanchez’s decision.
UEFA’s reasoning for the penalty being overturned
VAR, since its inception, has always regularly been involved in some controversy.
Liverpool, in the Merseyside Derby last season, were on the receiving end of a VAR call going against them, as James Tarkowski scored a controversial late equaliser.
This would lead to Slot openly slamming referee Michael Oliver, but this time around, he would have been thankful.
UEFA have given this explanation, on their website, as to why the original penalty call didn’t stand – “Penalty cancelled – no foul. Liverpool player, No5, challenged the ball in a fair manner without committing a foul on the opponent.”
Arguably, looking at UEFA’s comments, they do have a point, as the robust number five for the six-time European champions does make a clear attempt to win the ball before swiping away Zaire-Emery’s legs.
In reality, PSG have more of a leg to stand on when it comes to Konate’s second incident of the night, as he shoved over Mendes in added-on time, right at the end of the game.
Liverpool didn’t fall victim to either call going against them, but Slot will need his aggressive 26-year-old – who looks set to finally sign a new contract – to be a little more switched on when the second leg showdown comes to Anfield.
Slot will also want Virgil Van Dijk to be back to his more assured self in the second leg, as he was uncharacteristically weak during the 2-0 defeat, particularly when failing to close down Desire Doue’s fortunate opener.
