In a controversial moment during the 25th minute of the UEFA Champions League match, Bradley Barcola approached goal and made contact with Ibrahima Konaté. The referee, Davide Massa, did not award a foul, and VAR upheld the decision. Paris Saint-Germain lost the match 1-0, with sporting director Luís Campos vocally protesting the lack of a penalty or red card. Konaté, speaking to Canal Plus, asserted that his actions did not constitute a foul, stating he only used minimal force. However, he privately confided to others that he believed he should have received a red card for the challenge.
The match reached a pivotal moment in the 25th minute when Bradley Barcola was making his way toward the goal. Ibrahima Konaté was left behind and there was contact between them, with Barcola running into his fellow international teammate. Referee Davide Massa chose not to award a foul. VAR also did not indicate a clear and obvious error, resulting in no red card or penalty being issued.
Paris Saint-Germain expressed their frustration after losing the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1-0 at Parc des Princes last week. Sporting director Luís Campos was seen arguing with the referee at halftime, insisting on either a red card or a penalty for Konaté’s challenge.
In an interview with Canal Plus, Konaté addressed the controversial incident after the match. “There was a VAR check. If there had been a push, as you mentioned, I would have received a red card. I assure you there was no foul. Yes, I’m quite strong, but I didn’t exert force; I simply used my arm. If I had pushed harder, we could discuss it… but it was a light touch from my side,” he stated.
Nonetheless, his private conversations tell a different story. According to Le Parisien, Konaté has privately conceded to those close to him that he believed he should have received a red card for the foul.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle