PSG boss Luis Enrique insists ‘this is football, not basketball’ after controversial handball VAR decision against Newcastle – and calls it ‘like the script of a horror movie’

• Newcastle are now left needing a win over AC Milan and results to go their way 
• Kylian Mbappe struggled against the Magpies but kept his composure late on 
• Pressure is easing on Man United boss Erik ten Hag: Listen to It’s All Kicking Off 

Luis Enrique appeared not to be too concerned by the way in which his side were able to snatch a late point at home to Newcastle, following a late and controversial penalty for handball. 

Paris Saint-Germain trailed Newcastle 1-0 heading into the final seconds of their clash in Paris in the Champions League on Tuesday evening before a 98th-minute equaliser. 

With the hosts pushing and pushing for a leveller at the Parc des Princes, the ball appeared to come off Tino Livramento’s elbow in the penalty area, prompting a VAR check. 

However, on review it looked as if the ball had come off his torso first, having popped up at close range off Ousmane Dembele, with UEFA rules ruling out any handball decision that comes of rebounded contact off the player. 

Nevertheless, the decision went in PSG’s favour, allowing Kylian Mbappe to convert and snatch a memorable – and much-needed – result from the travelling Toon as the game ended 1-1.

Luis Enrique seemed not to be too concerned by the manner in which his side were awarded a late spot kick

PSG were awarded an injury time penalty after the ball struck Tino Livramento on the elbow

Despite a difficult night against the Newcastle back line Kylian Mbappe remained composed and converted from 12 yards to snatch a late point

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But when Enrique was asked about the decision, he offered a bullish response, stating: ‘This is football, it is not basketball. We are one of the teams that scores the most goals in Europe, there is no doubt. 

‘One day the ball doesn’t want to go in and this is what happens. It’s like the script of a horror movie, but I hope to finish first in the group.’

‘I am not dedicated to looking at the VAR, my job is to coach my team. Ask me about anything about my team and I will answer you,’ said the former Barcelona, Spain and Roma coach.

Alexander Isak’s first-half strike had put the visitors within touching distance of a massive result, having come into the game realistically needing three points to keep their fate in their own hands.

However after the now-infamous decision they now find themselves third in the group on five points, needing both a win over AC Milan and for Borussia Dortmund to beat PSG to progress to the next round. 

Prominent British figures in the game rushed to social media to slam the call for the penalty, with Alan Shearer particularly incensed, writing: ‘Do me a f*****g favour man. What a load of s***. #VAR.’

Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker added: ‘How on earth is that a penalty for PSG. Ludicrous.’ 

Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling wrote: ‘What a joke. VAR !! Referee totally bottled it. Disgraceful decision makes you wonder why we bother.’

However it was not just in the UK that the call seems to have been unpopular, with Pedro Martin of Spanish programme El Partidazo del Cope saying: ‘This man (Luis Enrique) has benefited today from an infamous penalty.’

Referee Szymon Marciniak made the decision to award the late penalty after the VAR review

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer led a host of pundits enraged by the award of PSG’s penalty

When Eddie Howe was asked if he felt an injustice had been served by the referee, the Newcastle boss said: ‘Yes, I do. In my opinion, it wasn’t the right decision.

‘What you don’t take into account with those replays is how quick the ball goes. It hits his chest first and comes up and hits his hand. If it hits his hand first, it’s still not a penalty, because he’s so close. But you can make more of a case.

‘It’s not a penalty when it hits his chest first and then hits his hand, which is low. His hand is not in an unnatural position. He is running and they are in a running motion. I think it’s a poor decision and it’s hugely frustrating for us, because you know how little time is left.

‘I thought the referee was having a good game up until this moment. He had been strong. The pressure put on the referee by the crowd was extreme.’

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe remained unconvinced that the handball should have yielded a penalty after the game

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