OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Newcastle was denied an excellent victory at Parc des Princes by a contentious late penalty kick from Kylian Mbappe, the draw keeps the visitors alive in the Champions League knockout stages.
Following a review by the video assistant referee, referee Szymon Marciniak declared that Tino Livramento had handled the ball within the box when blocking a cross, after consulting the pitch side monitor.
It was a cruel blow for Eddie Howe’s side, who had looked on course to secure a hugely impressive win after Aleksander Isak struck in the first half when Miguel Almiron’s effort had been pushed to the striker’s feet.
Newcastle then defended with everything they had to keep out PSG and Nick Pope made a superb save from close range to deny first Bradley Barcola and then Kylian Mbappe, who drove the rebound just wide.
But the visitors’ resolve was broken deep in stoppage time when PSG were awarded the penalty, from which Mbappe made no mistake.
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The result means Newcastle are third in Group F, two points behind second-placed PSG.
Eddie Howe’s team must now defeat AC Milan in their last group match and hope Borussia Dortmund, who have already qualified, does not lose to PSG.
Newcastle will have suffered greatly in the game’s conclusion after putting on an incredible bravery and fight effort to hold the hosts off for 97 minutes.
Howe’s team had a long list of injuries when they arrived in Paris, and they had four teenagers and two goalkeepers on their bench.
But those who played gave everything and more as they came within seconds of another huge result on their Champions League return.
They rode their luck at times, with Mbappe and Barcola both missing some big opportunities, and it looked like it was going to be Newcastle’s night.
But in the last minute of eight added on in stoppage time, Ousmane Dembele’s cross struck the chest of Livramento – who had been excellent throughout – and the ball bounced up onto his arm.
Referee Marciniak had earlier dismissed a similar penalty claim for an Anthony Gordon challenge inside the box, but this time decided to award the spot-kick as Mbappe rescued his side.
But the decision seemed harsh on Newcastle and the result means progress to the last 16 is now not in their hands.