Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

PSG vs Newcastle United ref watch: Three decisions Slavko Vincic got wrong

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Slavko Vincic took centre stage at the Parc des Princes as PSG clashed with Newcastle United in a thrilling Champions League game.

Lewis Miley was punished for handball inside the first 60 seconds, conceding a penalty, but Nick Pope stepped up with a massive save to keep his side in the game on Wednesday, 28 January.

Sadly, the joy didn't last for long, as Vitinha netted yet another worldie for the home side, requiring Joe Willock to equalise in the second minute of added time in the first half.

Newcastle were fresh off losing to Aston Villa at the weekend, but it was a spirited display from the travelling side, and one that saw them consolidate their spot in the play-offs.

Slavko Vincic punishes Lewis Miley in the first minute

It had only been a minute when PSG were awarded a penalty against Newcastle, with Miley being punished for handball, despite Bradley Barcola also handling the ball.

The referee was sent to the pitch-side monitor, and fans know what that usually means. At the weekend, we saw Farai Hallam go against VAR, but Vincic had his opinion swayed by the technology.

Pope would eventually save the spot-kick, which felt like justice done, but it set the tone in a major game for both sides in the opening stages.

Anthony Elanga decision baffles as winger goes into the book

The commentators were absolutely baffled when Anthony Elanga had his name taken by the referee, even after a clumsy challenge on Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was then forced off with an injury.

Anthony Elanga looking frustrated in a Newcastle shirt
Anthony Elanga was booked after just 20 minutes. (Credit: Imago)

Elanga could not believe the decision, and the mystery only deepened because, once the injured player was off the pitch, Pope was preparing to take a free-kick.

Strange.

Marquinhos escapes PSG penalty after Miley decision

In a first half full of controversial decisions, Newcastle supporters were crying out for a penalty after the ball made contact with Marquinhos' arm inside the area.

After a swift VAR check, those calls were waved away, and after the call, which went against Miley in the first minute, it was a decision which will likely be debated for days to come.

The referee made a number of contentious decisions, and this was by far one of his most baffling.

Paris Saint-Germain
Newcastle United
Slavko Vincic
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