A controversial moment occurred during the match when Bradley Barcola approached the goal in the 25th minute. Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, initially outmaneuvered, made contact with Barcola from behind. Despite the Paris Saint-Germain players’ appeals, referee Davide Massa did not call a foul, and VAR did not intervene, meaning no penalty or red card was awarded.
This decision left Paris Saint-Germain frustrated, with sporting director Luís Campos reportedly expressing his anger towards the officials in the tunnel at halftime, claiming it should have been a penalty and a red card. Liverpool ultimately won the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 match 1-0, thanks to a late goal from Harvey Elliott. PSG will need to overcome this deficit in the return leg at Anfield.
Speaking to Canal Plus after the game, Konaté addressed the incident. “There was a VAR review. If it was a foul, as you say, I would have received a red card. I assure you it wasn’t a foul. I am indeed strong, but I didn’t use excessive force; I simply placed my arm. Had I used more power, then it would be debatable, but I felt it was a gentle challenge,” Konaté explained.