Already trailing 2-0 at that point courtesy of goals from Desire Doue and Kvicha Kvaratshkelia, Liverpool‘s evening looked set to deteriorate further in the French capital 70 minutes into the match. Ibrahima Konate was sanctioned for seemingly fouling Warren Zaire-Emery inside the Liverpool box, making contact from behind as the PSG midfielder tumbled to the turf.
While referee Jose Maria Sanchez instantly blew his whistle and gestured towards the penalty spot, before producing a yellow card in Konate’s direction, VAR were prompt to step in and question the initial decision.
Footage of the incident revealed Konate had in fact secured possession of the ball, with Sanchez emerging back onto the pitch following a rapid assessment to reverse his verdict.
Consequently, he withdrew Konate’s yellow card and granted a free-kick to Liverpool. And subsequently, UEFA were quick to offer an explanation on their live Champions League blog.
They stated: “Decision overturned: no penalty. Penalty cancelled – no foul.
“Liverpool player, No 5, challenged the ball in a fair manner without committing a foul on the opponent.”
Elsewhere, pundits watching the match were swift to share their views on whether the spot-kick was correctly awarded in the first instance.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Ally McCoist said: “I thought it looked a brilliant challenge.
“It looked as though he brought his leg round. He comes from behind. I think he probably knocks him first. He just knocks him.”
Paul Robinson explained: “Ibrahima Konate has got on the wrong side and he gets caught not being goal-side.
“Konate comes around the side and he does get a piece of the ball, but I feel he gets Warren Zaire-Emery first.”
Stephen Warnock also took a little more convincing. He said: “I am still not sure if that’s a penalty or not. I want to see that challenge again, from behind – that’s the angle.
“Konate makes contact with Zaire-Emery first – he brushes his thigh before he gets the ball, but I am not sure it is enough to bring him down.”
Despite the decision going Liverpool’s way, it proved insufficient to stave off a damaging 2-0 defeat at the hands of Les Parisiens.