Ibrahima Konate insisted that he was innocent after he was spared by VAR in the victory of Liverpool versus PSG.
The Reds provided a slim 1-0 success on Wednesday evening in the Parc des Princes. The late goal of Harvey Elliott sealed the victory despite the French champions that dominate most of the game.
It could have been very different if the hosts received a penalty after an incident between Konate and Bradley Barcola. The French defender seemed to bring down his opponent with a free run on goal.
Initially, no fine or red card were given, while Konate also received a postponement of a VAR assessment. The decision left PSG Chief Luis Campos Furious, who was told to shout: “It is a red card or penalty in every part of the world” with referee Davide Massa in the tunnel.
Konate has now spoken about the incident and is sure that PSG did not earn a spot kick. In conversation with Canal Plus he said: “There was a VAR check. If there was a push, as you said, I would have shown a red card.
“I tell you that there was no wrong. It is true that I am very strong, but I do not apply power, I just put my arm. If I had put a lot more strength in it, we could talk about it … but it was soft of me. “
And while Konate and Campos made their feelings about the incident very clear, there were still a few answers. PSG -midfielder Vitinha admitted that the lack of a penalty was not an excuse for the French champions.
“It's hard to say, I was far away, so I couldn't see it,” he said. “We are not going to hide behind that.”
In the meantime, PSG coach Luis Enrique remained tight lips when he added: “I am not really talking about referee.”
Slot, however, was full of praise for mass and his performance during the game. The Dutchman said: “It's not easy if you are a referee in a game like this when the fans are there for the home team. I don't feel that he was for us or for them, I think he was a top referee in a game like this.”
Liverpool and PSG will extend the rivalry next week, while each of them tries to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The winners of the draw will compete against Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the next round-the former 3-1 up after the first stage.
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