UEFA makes VAR decision after controversial PSG penalty vs Newcastle

The European governing football body has intervened after a controversial penalty in the Champions League game between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.

UEFA has removed the VAR responsible for Tuesday’s Champions League match between PSG and Newcastle United.

The Polish Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Tomasz Kwiatkowski, has stood down for Wednesday’s game between Real Sociedad and RB Salzburg. He will miss the Group D fixture after his penalty decision on Tuesday.

Kwiatkowski awarded PSG a spot-kick in added time in their match against Newcastle. His decision was based on the judgment that Tino Livramento’s arm made his body bigger and created a barrier when the ball touched him. Kylian Mbappe then scored from the spot to level the score at 1-1, denying Newcastle a famous win in Paris.

Now, UEFA has deemed the decision a mistake, and has told Kwiatkowski to stand down from officiating duties. The Pole’s Assistant VAR, Ivan Bebek, has also moved aside.

This announcement, however, will not overturn Tuesday’s result in France. It means Newcastle remain outside a Champions League knockout spot in third place in Group F. They sit two points behind PSG, who sit in second.

Eddie Howe’s men will play their final group game in the Champions League on December 13 at home to AC Milan.

For now, though, they’ll prepare for Saturday, with Manchester United set to visit them at St. James’ Park in the Premier League.