Gary Lineker vents fury after controversy strikes PSG and Newcastle Champions League draw
Gary Lineker has raged after PSG and Newcastle drew in their crunch Champions League clash
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Gary Lineker has vented his fury after Newcastle conceded a late penalty in their 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.
The Toon looked like they were about to make it a double over their French opponents when Alexander Isak opened the scoring in the 24th minute.
Yet there was controversy at the death when PSG were awarded a late penalty.
Tino Livramento was adjudged to have handled in the box, though the ball appeared to strike his chest before then rolling onto his elbow.
How on earth is that a penalty for PSG. Ludicrous!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 28, 2023
Kylian Mbappe duly converted from 12 yards, sparking wild celebrations around the ground in the process.
But many feel Newcastle were unfortunate not to win given the courage they showed throughout the match.
And Lineker led the protests after the Toon were denied victory, branding the decision to give a late penalty as 'ludicrous'.
"How on earth is that a penalty for PSG. Ludicrous," the Match of the Day presenter said on X.
A livid Alan Shearer said: "Do me a f*****g favour man. What a load of s***. #VAR."
"What a joke. VAR !! Referee totally bottled it. Disgraceful decision makes you wonder why we bother," were the words of former Sky Sports man Jeff Stelling.
Stan Collymore weighed in by saying: "VAR, please die."
And former Rangers boss Ally McCoist, who was working on the match for TNT Sports, couldn't contain his anger as well.
"That’s a shambles. Honestly it is not on," said the Scot.
"Dembele plays it and it hits his chest and then comes off his left elbow.
"If that is a penalty kick we are chucking it, we may as well give up the game. That is nonsense, nonsense.
"It is never a penalty. The referee has been excellent up until now but how can you give that.
"It is bordering on robbery, it really is.
"Eddie Howe's boys have worked their socks off from start to finish and then I think it is a really poor decision from the official, who had been really good."
Jermaine Jenas, meanwhile, said he was 'fuming' with the decision from referee Szymon Marciniak.
"I think it's a shocker. The referee had such a good game but he's caved really," Jenas said.
"For that to happen, in that moment like that, after Newcastle performed the way they did, it doesn't feel right. It's a bitter pill to swallow.
"When you look at that decision there, it is one of the most disgraceful decisions I have seen in a long, long time.
"I’m fuming, I really am. There is that feeling that you have been cheated.
"As a player when you have been out there, they put everything into that game.
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Newcastle conceded a controversial late penalty in PSG draw
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"It should be one of those historical wins that leads them into this last game against AC Milan, but they have been robbed, absolutely robbed."
Newcastle won't have too long to dwell on the result.
They're due to lock horns with Manchester United on Saturday night (8pm).
Before that, the Red Devils are in Champions League action against Galatasaray.