Exclusive: Hackett reacts as tech intervenes in PSG v Liverpool incident
Liverpool were lucky to go into the half-time break level in their Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.
The Reds were sub-par in the first-half at the Parc Des Princes (5 March) and the Parisians thought that they had taken the lead through a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike in the 20th minute.
However, the Merseysiders’ blushes were spared when the goal was ruled out with the Georgian star narrowly offside in the build-up, according to the semi-automated offside system, in a decision which shocked Paul Merson due to how close it was.
Keith Hackett agrees with offside call in PSG v Liverpool
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes that the decision was correct despite how close it was and that Liverpool did not benefit from any kind of mistake.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, Hackett said: “Given the offside law it was the correct decision to rule the player offside.
“The player was in an offside position when the ball was played forward to him.
“Even though he was facing with his back to goal.”
Liverpool need to bounce back despite win against PSG
The Reds were absolutely dominated in the contest in the French capital but Arne Slot will be delighted with the smash-and-grab victory.
The Merseysiders looked set to find themselves having to produce another remarkable European comeback under the lights at home until Harvey Elliott broke the deadlock.
| Stats | Possession | Shots | Shots on target |
| PSG | 70% | 27 | 10 |
| Liverpool | 30% | 2 | 1 |
Slot could be on the way to a memorable first season after replacing Jurgen Klopp but he will need his team to put in a much-improved performance in the second leg if they are to progress to the next round in Europe’s premier competition.
They have a 13-point margin at the summit of the Premier League, so can afford to take risks against the Parisians with their squad selection due to how far Arsenal are behind them.
Given the way that they have struggled in the clash, some serious adjustment is needed, as the two controversial incidents, the offside and the potential red card for Ibrahima Konate came from the Reds being poor and allowing PSG to dominate.