Omotayo Fashola
UEFA issued a comprehensive breakdown after VAR intervened to reverse a penalty call in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter against Liverpool at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.
The French champions took a 2-0 lead through goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Liverpool’s woes seemed to deepen in the 70th minute. Referee José María Sánchez initially pointed to the spot when Ibrahima Konaté was flagged for a challenge on Warren Zaïre-Emery, also booking the defender.
However, VAR swiftly intervened, prompting a review. Slow-motion replays revealed Konaté had cleanly won possession before minimal contact occurred. After a brief on-field review, Sánchez rescinded the penalty, retracted the yellow card, and instead awarded Liverpool a free-kick.
UEFA later justified the reversal on its official Champions League live blog, stating:
“Penalty overturned – no infraction. Liverpool No. 5 engaged in a legal challenge, making contact with the ball without committing a foul.”
The controversial moment divided analysts. Ally McCoist defended the call on TNT Sports, remarking: “That was an exceptional tackle. He approaches from behind but clearly wins the ball first.”
Paul Robinson, however, contested the decision, stating: “Konaté is out of position, not goal-side. Yes, he touches the ball, but Zaïre-Emery is fouled first.”
Stephen Warnock remained uncertain: “It’s borderline. There’s slight contact before the ball, but I’m not convinced it’s penalty-worthy.”
PSG’s 2-0 victory strengthened their grip on the tie, with Liverpool failing to capitalize despite the overturned call.
