Paris Saint-Germain was denied a spectacular opening goal against Liverpool as UEFA’s semi-automated offside system (SAOT) ruled out a sumptuous strike from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The French champions looked to have taken the lead in the last 16 Champions League clash at Parc des Princes as the Georgian superstar lashed home a left-footed effort. Having been slipped in by Vitinha, the former Napoli attacker created space for himself before dispatching his shot.
Peeling away, the 24-year-old’s brilliance sent the PSG faithful into rapturous celebrations as they appeared to have seized an early advantage in the tie. However, a swift check from SOAT determined that Kvaratskhelia was marginally offside when he received the ball from Vitinha in the build up to his goal.
And the replay shortly afterwards using the automated technology showed just how fine the margin was. A matter of inches from the PSG star’s heel prevented the Reds from falling behind.
As a result, the officials quickly disallowed the opener, as the visitors were able to breathe a sigh of relief after what had been a period of sustained pressure from the hosts. Following on from the call, commentators could not help but express their disappointment at the strike ultimately being ruled out.
With Kvaratskhelia’s pearler having caught the eye, former Rangers man Ally McCoist was among the naysayers as he praised the Georgian for the ingenuity of his effort. Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: “What a break that is. We knew it was tight. It is almost criminal to disallow that, it was such a good finish. But if it’s offside, it’s offside.”
Meanwhile, former Liverpool and Aston Villa full-back Stephen Warnock felt that Arne Slot’s side had got fortunate after the goal was ruled out. Describing the incident on BBC Radio 5 Live, the ex-England defender said: “Khvicha Kvaratskhelia must have strayed offside. Liverpool get away with one.”
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The first half proved to be a tumultous affair in the French capital, with Reds defender Ibrahima Konate also subject to a VAR call after he appeared to push PSG’s Bradley Barcola. However, the France center-back avoided being handed a red card following the check from officials.
Again, this incident sparked debate among analysts, with former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand among those who felt that the defender had been lucky to stay on the pitch. Calling for Konate to be dismissed, he said on TNT: “That is a foul. The push is in the back, so it’s a foul. If that’s not a red card I’ll be amazed.”
Likewise, the aforementioned Warnock appeared certain that the PSG players will feel aggrieved to have seen the France captain avoid a sending off. Giving his verdict on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “It goes in the filing cabinet of ‘I’ve seen them given’. I would feel annoyed if I was a PSG player.”
