PSG director OUTRAGED after VAR controversy

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate had what some considered a lucky escape in the first half against PSG on Wednesday night.

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Arne Slot’s side were outplayed by the French Champions for much of the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie, ultimately winning through a late Harvey Elliott strike.

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In a first half that was shy of highlights for the Reds, bar a few moments of brilliance from Alisson, the main talking point was a risky challenge from Konate, who has been linked with PSG, on the edge of Liverpool’s box.

After a reasonably lengthy VAR check it was decided that Konate should remain on the pitch, and the referee’s on-field decision was upheld, but not everyone agreed with the officials’ decision.

PSG director raging at VAR decision

After watching his side against the Premier League leaders, PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos voiced his frustration towards the officials directly to them in the tunnel.

According to Get French Football News, Campos was furious with the match officials and repeatedly told them “it’s a red card or a penalty” as they made their way back to the dressing room.

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The initial contact from Konate on Bradley Barcola came outside of the penalty area, so the challenge definitely shouldn’t have resulted in a penalty, but there’s an argument to be made that the Reds defender denied his compatriot a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett was one of those who feel VAR made a mistake and Konate should have seen red. Rio Ferdinand shared this opinion, repeatedly claiming Konate should have seen red on TNT’s commentary of the match.

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As well as those arguing that VAR made an error in not overturning the referee’s decision, there are plenty also praising the officials for making what they perceive as the correct decision.

Konate would have been suspended for the second leg of the round of 16 tie if he had seen yellow in Wednesday’s match, but the challenge on Barcola was not even given as a foul.

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