Controversial Penalty Decision

Newcastle United was left feeling hard done by after conceding a late penalty against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a crucial Champions League match. The Magpies were leading until the final minute when the ball struck the arm of Tino Livramento in the penalty area. However, replays showed that the ball had actually come off his chest first, raising questions about the decision made by the officials.

UEFA's Handball Rule

Uefa's own rules on handball seem to support Newcastle's grievances. The Uefa Football Board, during its inaugural meeting in Switzerland, made recommendations for better compliance with the Laws of the Game. They clarified that no handball offense should be called if the ball is previously deflected from a player's own body, especially when the ball does not go towards the goal. This suggests that Newcastle may have been unfairly penalized.

Shearer's Outburst

Former Newcastle United striker, Alan Shearer, expressed his frustration on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, "Do me a f***ing favour man. What a load of s***." Shearer's passionate response reflects the disappointment felt by many Newcastle fans.

Must-Win Game for Newcastle

With a 3-1 win for Borussia Dortmund against AC Milan, the Champions League group stage has come down to a one-game shootout for one of three teams to progress to the knockout stages. PSG currently sits on seven points, while both Newcastle and Milan sit on five. In their final group stage game, Newcastle will host Milan and must secure a victory to have any chance of progressing to the Last 16. A defeat would mean elimination from European football altogether.