Kylian Mbappé rescued Paris Saint-Germain by scoring a penalty kick for a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on Tuesday night at the Parc des Princes.
After the match, manager Eddie Howe wasn’t a fan of the referee calling a handball in stoppage time. As a result, it was a hard pill for him to swallow postgame.
“I am still coming to terms with it to be honest,” Howe told TNT Sports (h/t CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs). “I feel really flat, but pleased with what the players have given… We ran out of luck at the end because I didn’t think it was a penalty. It’s hit his chest first and that’s the key thing. If it hit his hand first, I still don’t think it’s penalty but perhaps you could make a case, but when it hits a body part first and his hands are low, it’s not a penalty.”
🗣️ Eddie Howe to TNT on PSG's penalty. "I am still coming to terms with it to be honest. I feel really flat, but pleased with what the players have given… We ran out of luck at the end because I didn't think it was a penalty. It's hit his chest first and that's the key thing.… pic.twitter.com/NzPxivqaPg
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 28, 2023
While the result isn’t ideal for the Ligue 1 side, the loss would’ve been disastrous considering the team was facing the UEFA Europa League in the face. Nonetheless, a draw still allows PSG to control their destiny. However, they do encounter the daunting task of needing a road win.
PSG has struggled with two losses in this UEFA Champions League group stage on the road. Even though, on paper, the Parisians should beat the Bundesliga side, the squad doesn’t give off confidence.
Regardless, a win and they’re into the round of 16, and PSG can win the group, securing all three points as Luis Enrique and Co. hold the tiebreaker over Dortmund.
