Alexander Isak believes PSG should not have been awarded a last-minute penalty against Newcastle United in their 1-1 draw at Parc des Princes.
Newcastle had high hopes of progressing for the knockout stages of the Champions League after Isak’s opening goal, but a contentious VAR decision in added time would crush Geordie hearts.
After the game, Isak spoke with TNT Sports and claimed that his initial response was that it was not a penalty and that it appeared ‘cheap,’ but that he was very happy of the team’s overall performance.
Isak says penalty was ‘cheap’
Almost everyone connected to football unanimously declared that PSG’s penalty, given for Tino Livramento’s handball, was unequivocally incorrect, marking a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise thrilling match.
Livramento, who had performed admirably throughout the game in keeping PSG at bay, was penalized for an inadvertent handball, despite the ball initially making contact with his chest before brushing his elbow.
Isak expressed his astonishment at the referee’s decision to award the penalty following VAR’s recommendation to review the incident.
Reflecting on the match in his post-game interview, Isak remarked, “It’s unfortunate for us to concede a goal so late. I believe we began defending our goal a bit prematurely. Conceding a goal in the dying moments is never pleasant.”
“My first reaction was it wasn’t [a penalty]. It seemed cheap. I haven’t seen a replay. Hopefully it was a penalty. We have to trust the referees.
“We are very proud of the team. It’s not an easy place to come. They haven’t lost for some time here.
“We almost got the win. It is unfortunate. We always want to win, but this point will be important. We have it all to play for.”
Isak earns Newcastle a crucial point
Despite Newcastle experiencing disappointment in Paris, Isak’s goal has offered them a glimmer of hope for securing a second-place qualification in Group F.
The 24-year-old became Newcastle’s first scorer in a Champions League match since Alan Shearer in 2003, prompting Eddie Howe, their manager, to anticipate more goals from him in the future.
Isak seized an opportunity created by Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error, as the goalkeeper deflected Miguel Almiron’s shot directly into the path of the Swedish player.
With astute awareness, Isak granted Newcastle an unexpected lead, countering PSG’s strong start, where only Nick Pope’s exceptional reflexes prevented PSG from taking the lead.
Newcastle will now head back for a Premier League encounter with Manchester United, although their attention might also be on their final group game against AC Milan on December 13.
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