Clara Kuang (9) | STAFF REPORTER
On November 28th, 2022, PSG took on Newcastle of England. PSG evened out the match with Kylain Mbappe’s penalty, which sparked controversy.
PSG, Paris Saint-Germain, as one of France’s most successful football clubs, has received over 40 titles since its founding in 1970. Under the leadership of Kylian Mbappe, the team has held victories over numerous teams in the past month. Meanwhile, Newcastle, based in Tyne, England, is the 9th most successful English club in the Premier League.
2 months ago, the teams have already encountered each other on Champions League night, Newcastle winning 4-1. Now, the teams face off against one another once again.
Alexander Isak, attacking-midfielder of Newcastle, was a leading force through the first quarter of the game. On PSG’s side, Bradley Barcola missed several goal opportunities. However, the disadvantage of PSG was quickly caught up when the referee blew the whistle for Tino Livramento’s handball. The call was rather harsh, as the ball had hit Livramento in the chest before striking the arm.
The punishment resulted in a penalty for PSG, which was played by Mbappe, and the call was deemed rather controversial. Post-match, many professional football players spoke up on the situation, with Ex-England striker Gark Lineker calling it a “ludicrous” call.
Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle United FC, noted in an interview that, “we rode our luck at times but I think we deserved that and we sort of ran out of luck at the end because I didn’t think that was a penalty.” Even so, Howe sympathizes with the referee, saying that, “People at home might not be aware of the pressure put on the referee by the crowd but it’s extreme and in the last seconds of the game he’s given them that.”
Nonetheless, PSG and Newcastle ended the match with a draw of 1-1. Now, PSG prepares for their next match in the following month, which a victory will have the potential of securing a position in the Champions League playoffs.
