Paul Merson shocked by ‘unbelievable’ Konate incident in PSG v Liverpool
Liverpool have struggled to get to grips with PSG so far in the round of 16 Champions League clash, and they appear to have gotten rather fortunate in the early stages.
Liverpool appear on course for the Premier League title after what has been a remarkable campaign, though they will be eager to add the Champions League title to their collection as well.
However, so far in their clash at Parc des Princes, they haven’t been able to keep pace with the intensity of this star-studded PSG side.
The French giants have dominated the first half of the game, with the visitors perhaps fortunate to still have 11 men on the pitch.
Konate ‘fortunate’ after first half decision v PSG
While Liverpool have struggled to offer any real threat to PSG, they have stood strong defensively, though it could have been a very different story.
With just under half an hour played in France, Bradley Barcola was released through on goal with a delightful pass from Presnel Kimpembe, though he was quickly stopped in his tracks by Konate in a challenge that Merson believes should have been a red card.
Replays show that the challenge was in fact outside the box, but calls for a foul were certainly warranted.
| PSG v Liverpool | Shots | xG | Possession |
| PSG | 12 | 1.37 | 68% |
| Liverpool | 1 | 0.13 | 32% |
Speaking live on Sky Sports News (5 March, 8:27pm), Merson said: It’s just outside the box. Konate comes in behind him and he charges him. He pushes him flying from behind in the back.
“Not a penalty but definitely a red card. They go for a video check, it takes about a minute or two. And then the ref says play on.
“Unbelievable decision. Konate is very, very fortunate.”
Liverpool have far more to offer than they have done so far in this game, with the attacking lineup failing to get involved in the game.
PSG, perhaps as expected given the home advantage, are dominating all areas in the game and Arne Slot may be forced into a change to bring some control back to the Reds.
If Liverpool can hang on to the current result, it wouldn’t be a disaster, but a win to take home to Anfield would provide them with a huge boost for the second leg.