Champions League: Newcastle rues VAR decision in their 1-1 draw at PSG

Newcastle's VAR Controversy: Champions League Fate Hangs in Balance.

Players surround the referee after he awarded a penalty to PSG at the death to earn the hosts a 1-1 draw against Newcastle. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Newcastle felt the pain of VAR in their 1-1 draw at the French capital in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, as their qualification to the next round now hangs in the balance.

Eddie Howe’s side defied the odds to go in front through a fine Alexander Isak goal off a sleek Miguel Almiron pass; the goal was going to be enough to hand Newcastle an advantage, with Borussia Dortmund already on top of things in Milan against the Italian side.

The handball rule has always been a complicated one, but the Champions League has always been known to punish players more than league football. Youngster Lewis Miley handled in the penalty area but did nothing; it was deemed to be accidental, and his hand was in a natural position.

However, although the ball deflected off the body of Livramento before it hit his arm, this alone isn't a consideration against a penalty. Livramento's arm position wasn't extended away from his body and was a consequence of his body movement, so it shouldn't have been a handball offence.

Club legend Alan Shearer was left fuming on his social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), and he couldn’t come to terms with the decision. He strongly feels it was a harsh penalty and should never have been awarded.

The VAR on duty, Tomasz Kwiatkowski, has been removed from Wednesday duty after he sent the referee to the VAR monitor for the latter to award a penalty that took the game away from the Geordies, leaving their qualification in danger.