PSG's Controversial Stoppage Time Penalty Versus Newcastle Sparks Outrage

• A controversial VAR decision led to PSG receiving a late penalty against Newcastle
• Kylian Mbappe went on to dispatch the spot-kick to clinch a 1-1 draw
• Newcastle are in third place with their fate out of their hands

A late penalty was awarded to Paris Saint-Germain against Newcastle, following a contentious VAR decision.

In the 94th minute, with Newcastle holding a 1-0 lead, a cross from PSG's Ousmane Dembele made contact with Tino Livramento's chest before striking the full-back's lower arm inside the box.

The PSG players immediately surrounded referee Szymon Marciniak, insisting on a penalty.

After consulting with his VAR officials and reviewing the incident on the screen, the Polish referee ultimately awarded the penalty.

Kylian Mbappe proceeded to convert the penalty, salvaging a 1-1 draw from the brink of defeat.

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After the match, an incensed Alan Shearer, ex-England and Newcastle captain, took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his thoughts on the contentious penalty call.

In his strongly-worded message, Shearer remarked:

"Do me a [explicit] favour man. What a load of [explicit]. #VAR"

Jeff Stelling replied:

"Officials ruining the game Al. Makes me feel like stopping watching .

Another Newcastle and England legend @themichaelowen said:

"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."

Ex-Tottenham and England star Jermain Jenas told TNT Sports via ESPN:

"It's one of the most disgraceful decisions I've ever seen in a long time."

Eddie Howe rues penalty decision

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe 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 club on Tuesday.

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The Premier League side were leading 1-0 at the Parc des Princes thanks to Alexander Isak's 25th-minute goal, until Polish referee Szymon Marciniak awarded PSG a penalty deep in injury time following a VAR check for a 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.