Alan Shearer was left raging as Mark Clattenburg explained a controversial penalty decision during Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League semi-final match against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night. In the first-leg, a goal fest saw the two sides - among the best in the world right now - poised at 2-2 going into the break at the Parc des Princes.
Right before the halftime whistle was ready to be blown, however, VAR intervened to send the referee to the pitchside monitor and review after Ousmane Dembele's cross appeared to strike the hand of Alphonso Davies. After changing his mind and allowing PSG to enter the break in front, the Premier League record goalscorer fumed while on commentary duty as he exploded into a rant.
Shearer Rages as PSG Given 'Nonsense' Penalty Decision
Bayern Munich PSG
He said (watch the incident below):
"It deflects on to his arm, and that, for me, is not a penalty. He's given it. I don't agree with that, I really don't. Once it comes off his leg and on to his arm, then for me, that's a different story. What's he meant to do!?
"I think the handball [law] is nonsense, they've tied themselves up in knots over the years."
Trying to explain the rationale behind the decision, retired referee Clattenburg explained: "We've seen it, in recent seasons of Champions League football, a really high tolerance to handball. His arm comes away, because what the defender does is put his hands behind his back, and then moves that left hand slightly away from his body, and it's very very subjective.
"You've seen so many penalties given away by UEFA referees for this in the past, but I think the hand is close enough to his body not to reward a penalty but we've seen them given before. That's why VAR have prompted him to go to the monitor. For reasons I've just said, his left arm starts behind his back and moves to the front of his body. I think it's harsh, it actually comes off his leg and on to his arm. Therefore, I think it should not be a penalty kick."
More to follow...