Eddie Howe issues strong response to Newcastle United VAR controversy during PSG draw - Déjà vu?
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Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe has revealed his thoughts on PSG’s controversial penalty at the Parc des Princes.
Newcastle United secured a point in Paris after a hard-fought 90 minutes with reigning European champions PSG.
The Magpies came into the game with hope, rather than expectation, that they could pick up a result in the French capital but saw that hope dented within minutes when the hosts were awarded a penalty. Lewis Miley was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty box by the referee, despite the ball deflecting onto him off the arm of Bradley Barcola.
Nick Pope, though, saved the resulting spot-kick from Ousmane Dembele. PSG would go ahead just a few minutes later through Vitinha, before being pegged back by Joe Willock on the stroke of half-time.
In truth, it was the visitors who had the better chances to win the game during the second half with Harvey Barnes, a 68th minute substitute for Anthony Elanga, going close to sealing the most memorable of wins very late on. A draw did neither side any favours as they both dropped into the play-off places with a tie against either Qarabag or AS Monaco to come next month for a place in the Round of 16.
Eddie Howe’s reaction to controversial PSG penalty
Whilst many Newcastle United fans will look back on that game with a sense of pride, much like they did after their previous visit to the Parc des Princes, yet again they will reflect on what could have been, had a very controversial refereeing decision not gone against them. Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Howe admitted his frustrations at both the penalty that went against his side and one that wasn’t awarded after a handball by Marquinhos, but praised his team’s performance across the 90 minutes.
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“I think there was a lot going on in that game,” Howe said. “I think we had to deal with not just the opponents, who are an outstanding team, but decisions that went against us as well, and none more so than the handball.
“Déjà vu for us. I couldn't believe it and I know Nick saved the penalty, but it created a feeling, I think, that contributed to the early stage of the game, where we were under pressure, and I thought the lads did really well to see that out.
“I don't think that's a handball anyway against Lewis, it's clearly unintentional. I think it's hit the other player's hand first, or arm first, so I think it's a combination of things that goes against us there, and then of course, if that is given, then you want consistency the other way, but that wasn't applied.
“That's where I think we did really well, because as I say, they're an outstanding team, they don't need help from anybody to create more chances for them.”
He added: “We grew into the game, I think. I think it took us probably about 25 minutes, half an hour, to really find our feet, and once we did, I thought we were really good for the rest of the game. I thought we showed really good legs and athleticism, because we needed to give them a threat the other way, and I thought we grew stronger as the game went on in that respect.
“Harvey's chance at the end is probably our best moment to win the game. It's just really pleasing to see us go end-to-end, fitness-wise, really strong after a heavy schedule.”