Sven Botman deletes social media post after Newcastle’s controversial Champions League draw with PSG

Newcastle United were the latest victims of a controversial VAR decision which came in the final moments of Tuesday’s night's 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

The Magpies led the game for large periods after Alexander Isak’s first half goal at the Parc des Princes - but were ultimately pegged back in the 98th minute penalty by Kylian Mbappe which was awarded in controversial circumstances after a VAR check after Ousmanne Dembele’s pass struck hit Tino Livramento's chest and onto his elbow.

Referee Szymon Marciniak initially waved PSG's appeals away before a VAR check prompted a controversial overturn that appeared to go against UEFA guidelines set out last season.

A UEFA statement from April 2023 read: "In their guidelines for next season, the Board recommends that UEFA should clarify that no handball offence should be called on a player if the ball is previously deflected from his own body and, in particular, when the ball does not go toward the goal."

The Magpies defended valiantly throughout the game and were particularly resilient in the second half when they were bombarded with pressure from the hosts.

Nick Pope made a number of key saves, while the likes of Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier and Livramento in defence were all heavily tested.

Newcastle defender Sven Botman was one of the most notable absentees for the trip to the French capital. The Dutch defender has not played for the Magpies since an 8-0 victory at Sheffield United and remained at home when watching the game due to a knee injury.

He, like many Newcastle fans after the game, expressed his dissatisfaction with the penalty decision and posted on his Instagram story: “What a joke.”

The former Lille defender has since deleted, which made no specific reference to the events of the match or the decision itself. However, the timing of his post did coincide with the full-time whistle at Parc des Princes.

The result leaves Newcastle needing to beat AC Milan in their final group stage match at St James' Park and hope PSG fail to win at Borussia Dortmund in their final match on December 13 in order to progress to the last-16. A draw against Milan would also guarantee Newcastle's place in Europe after the new year as they would advance to the Europa League.

Eddie Howe would love to have Botman back in the squad for that fixture, but as of yet the extent of his injury has not been revealed and fans are yet to hear of a return date for the player.

In the meantime, Newcastle’s next Premier League test sees them host Manchester United on Saturday in an unusual 8pm kick off at St James’ Park. Those not in attendance will be able the action live on TNT Sport 1.