Eddie Howe did his best to hold his tongue on the controversial penalty awarded to Paris Saint-Germain deep in stoppage time of a 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw with his Newcastle United at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
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The Magpies kept their Champions League dreams alive but were denied top-two footing heading into the final day when Tino Livramento’s chest trap deflected off his arm and VAR sent Szymon Marciniak to the pitch side monitor for what the referee interpreted as a penalty.
Kylian Mbappe converted the spot kick. It was crushing for Newcastle, who got six saves from Nick Pope and a goal from Alexander Isak but headed back to England with a single point.
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The Magpies took four of six points from PSG and drew AC Milan at the San Siro, but a pair of losses to leaders Borussia Dortmund mean Newcastle could beat AC Milan at St. James’ Park next month and still only reach the Europa League. If the Magpies lose to Milan, they’re out of Europe altogether.
Eddie Howe reaction to VAR-awarded penalty in draw at PSG
“I’m still coming to terms with it. I feel really flat but at the same time really pleased with what the players gave today. Their commitment, execution.. We rode our luck. We ran out of luck at the end.
“I didn’t think it was a penalty. ... What you don’t take into account with those replays is how quick the ball goes. It hits his chest first. If it hits his hands first, well it’s still not a penalty because he’s so close. But you can make more of a case. It’s not a penalty when it hits his chest first and then hits his hand which is low. I’m not allowed to sum it up. I can’t say my inner thoughts obviously.
“I thought the referee was having a good game up until this moment. He had been strong.”