🚨 CONTROVERSY AT PARC DES PRINCES 🚨 “If this is not a penalty then I don’t know what it is” Shay Given couldn’t believe his eye his comments have caught the attention of the referees

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🚨 CONTROVERSY AT PARC DES PRINCES 🚨

“If this is not a penalty then I don’t know what it is” — Shay Given left stunned on live TV

Shay Given was left completely baffled on TNT Sports after a hugely controversial moment involving Anthony Gordon inside the PSG penalty area during Newcastle’s Champions League clash.

The former Newcastle goalkeeper could barely hide his disbelief as the replay rolled again… and again… and again.

> 🗣️ “If this is not a penalty then I honestly don’t know what football has become,” Given said, shaking his head in the studio.

The incident occurred when Gordon drove into the 18-yard box, cutting inside at pace before appearing to be clearly clipped by the PSG defender. The referee waved play on — and VAR stayed silent.

What followed was pure disbelief.

Replayed FIVE times… still no explanation

TNT Sports replayed the incident five separate times, from every possible angle. Each replay only seemed to strengthen Given’s argument.

> 🗣️ “I’ve watched this five times now,” he continued.
🗣️ “There’s contact. Gordon is impeded. That’s a penalty all day — in Europe, in England, anywhere.”

The studio fell quiet as Given repeated just one sentence, over and over again:

> “That’s a penalty.”

Referees now under the spotlight

Given’s passionate reaction quickly caught the attention of viewers — and reportedly, refereeing officials monitoring the broadcast. Social media erupted within minutes, with fans and former players backing the Irishman’s assessment.

Many questioned how VAR could review the footage and still decide there was nothing wrong.

> 🗣️ “What’s VAR there for if it can’t intervene on something this clear?” Given added.

Newcastle frustration grows

For Newcastle, the decision only added to a growing sense of injustice on a tense European night. Eddie Howe’s side felt robbed of a golden opportunity — and the pundits agreed.

As the final whistle blew, the debate was far from over.

One thing was clear from Shay Given’s reaction:

This decision isn’t going away anytime soon.

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SaniJanuary 28, 2026

0 1 minute read