By Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos publicly expressed his frustration over the controversial officiating decisions during PSG’s Champions League round-of-16 first-leg clash against Liverpool at Parc des Princes. Campos was visibly incensed after match officials opted not to penalize Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté for what appeared to be a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity. His frustration was captured live on French television as he confronted the officials at halftime.
The contentious moment occurred when PSG forward Bradley Barcola went down inside the penalty area following contact from Konaté. The French defender, who was the last man, appeared to impede Barcola’s run, but after a VAR review, neither a penalty nor a red card was awarded. The decision left PSG players and fans furious, with Campos seen angrily shouting, “It’s a red card or a penalty,” at Italian referee Davide Massa as the teams headed into the dressing rooms at halftime.
PSG players remonstrated with the referee as VAR conducted a prolonged review of the incident, yet the officials ultimately deemed Konaté’s challenge legal. Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand, working as a pundit for TNT Sports, expressed his astonishment at the ruling. “I can’t believe how lucky Liverpool have been there,” Ferdinand remarked. “If Barcola and Konaté were shoulder to shoulder, then I get it. But Konaté barges him basically on the numbers on his back, between his shoulder blades.”
Despite PSG’s dominance and relentless attacking pressure, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker delivered a world-class performance, making nine crucial saves to keep his side in the game. It was Liverpool’s most challenging fixture of the season so far, as they faced a PSG side eager to capitalize on home advantage.
However, it was substitute Harvey Elliott who provided the decisive moment of the match. Just 47 seconds after coming off the bench, the young midfielder capitalized on excellent build-up play from Darwin Núñez to score a vital goal for the visitors. His strike handed Liverpool a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg at Anfield next Tuesday.
With tensions already running high, all eyes will now turn to Anfield, where PSG will be looking for redemption while Liverpool aims to capitalize on their hard-fought advantage and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
