‘I was thinking’… Tino Livramento finally shares how he honestly felt about that PSG penalty decision

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Newcastle United’s Champions League campaign hinged on one moment, and it made Tino Livramento feel ‘terrible’.

The Magpies were moments away from a historic win in Paris. After smashing Luis Enrique’s side 4-1 at St James’ Park, they were now doing a job on them in their own backyard.

Alexander Isak had given Newcastle the lead, and then they were fighting for their lives. Nick Pope was in inspired form, as Eddie Howe’s side closed in on a vital three points in the Champions League.

However, they had to settle for a draw after Kylian Mbappe netted a penalty in stoppage time. The spot kick was given by VAR, after it was determined that Tino Livramento had handled the ball inside the box.

The referee did not give the decision initially, and it was laughable that VAR overturned it. It was a disgrace, and it ultimately contributed towards Newcastle coming bottom of their group.

It was a horrible decision, and now Tino Livramento has finally reflected on that night in Paris.

Tino Livramento reflects on Champions League injustice against PSG

The 21-year-old defender has been speaking to the Telegraph, and properly addressed the penalty incident for the first time since it happened.

“When they appealed I was laughing,” he said.

“I was thinking there is no way that is handball. Even when the referee went to look at the screen, I was thinking no way is he going to give this. I was ready for the game to restart.

“It wasn’t a penalty, anyone who has played the game knows it wasn’t a penalty. It was given. If we had won that game our season would have looked very different.

“It’s not something I’ve talked about before. I’ve not watched it back, I was running, the ball bounced off my chest and brushed the top of my arm as it fell. That’s it. As much as people reassured me, I felt terrible.”

Newcastle’s season could have been very different

If that penalty had not been given and the matchday six results remained the same, Newcastle would have finished third in their Champions League group. They would have been above PSG on head-to-head record, and gone into the Europa League.

That would have put a very different spin on the current season, which currently looks very disappointing given we are out of Europe and 10th in the Premier League.

As for PSG, they are in the Champions League quarter finals, where they will face Barcelona for a place in the final four.

It is so cruel, and the penalty decision was so harsh on Livramento. He did absolutely nothing wrong, and it ruined what was a special night. He played brilliantly in Paris, yet all he has is this ‘terrible’ memory.