Kylian Mbappe scored a controversial late penalty to deny Newcastle an impressive win at Parc des Princes but the draw keeps the visitors in the fight to reach the Champions League knockout stages.
The penalty decision came after a VAR review, with referee Szymon Marciniak checking the pitchside monitor and determining that Tino Livramento had handled the ball inside the box while blocking a cross.
It was a heartbreaking moment for Eddie Howe’s team, who seemed poised for an impressive victory after Aleksander Isak scored in the first half, capitalizing on Miguel Almiron’s shot that had been parried to the striker’s feet.
Newcastle then defended resolutely to withstand PSG’s attacks, with Nick Pope making a crucial close-range save to thwart both Bradley Barcola and Kylian Mbappe, whose rebound narrowly missed the target.
However, the visitors’ resilience crumbled in deep stoppage time when PSG received a penalty, expertly converted by Mbappe.
The outcome positions Newcastle in third place in Group F, trailing PSG by two points in the second spot.
Eddie Howe’s team must now secure a victory against AC Milan in their last group match and rely on already qualified Borussia Dortmund to avoid defeat against PSG.
Controversial penalty breaks Newcastle’s hearts
The conclusion of this match must have been heartbreaking for Newcastle, considering the brilliant demonstration of determination and courage they displayed to keep the hosts at bay for 97 minutes.
Despite arriving in Paris with a substantial injury list, Eddie Howe’s team, featuring two goalkeepers on the bench and four teenagers, gave their all. They came tantalizingly close to securing another significant result on their Champions League comeback.
While they occasionally relied on luck, with Mbappe and Barcola squandering significant opportunities, it seemed like it was going to be Newcastle’s night.
However, in the final minute of the extended eight minutes of stoppage time, Ousmane Dembele’s cross made contact with the chest of Livramento, who had performed admirably throughout the match, causing the ball to bounce onto his arm.
Referee Marciniak had previously rejected a comparable penalty appeal for a challenge by Anthony Gordon inside the box, but on this occasion, he chose to award the penalty as Mbappe saved his team.
Yet, the decision appeared to be harsh on Newcastle, and as a result, progression to the last 16 is no longer within their control.