UEFA has provided a formal clarification regarding the controversial VAR decision that overturned a penalty during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Liverpool on Wednesday night.
The incident occurred in the 70th minute at the Parc des Princes with PSG leading 2-0. Referee José María Sánchez originally awarded a penalty and a yellow card to Ibrahima Konaté for a challenge on Warren Zaïre-Emery. Following a VAR review and pitchside monitor check, the referee rescinded both the penalty and the booking.
Key highlights from the UEFA verdict:
- The Official Ruling: UEFA stated via its official channels that the decision was overturned because Konaté “challenged for the ball in a fair manner without committing a foul,” winning the ball cleanly before contact was made.
- Match Context: Despite the reprieve, Liverpool could not capitalize on the moment. Goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia secured a 2-0 win for the French side, leaving the Reds with a major mountain to climb in the second leg at Anfield.
- Pundit Disagreement: The decision divided experts. While Ally McCoist praised the “brilliant challenge,” former goalkeeper Paul Robinson argued that Konaté caught the player before the ball, highlighting the fine margins of the call.
- Injury Concerns: Adding to the drama of the night, separate reports from the same match indicate a major medical update regarding Victor Osimhen, whose status is being closely monitored following an incident during the game.
