Liverpool vs PSG ref watch: Three decisions Maurizio Mariani got wrong at Anfield
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Credit: Imago / Net Insurance YouTube Tue 14 April 2026 22:15, UK Maurizio Mariani was the man in the middle as Liverpool and PSG battled it out for a spot in the Champions League semi-finals.The Anfield crowd was subdued, with their 2025-26 campaign resting on reaching the next round, and the Ligue 1 giants heading into the clash with a two-goal advantage on Tuesday, 14 April.Just moments after having a penalty overturned, Lius Enrique’s side put the tie to bed through a lovely Ousmane Demeble strike, who then grabbed another in stoppage time.Liverpool are now out of the Champions League, with a spot in the competition next season at stake in the Premier League, and it could have been even worse for the Reds on Merseyside. ⚽ Liverpool Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews, VAR verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Reds fixture. VISIT THE LIVERPOOL MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Arne Slot almost gets involved on the pitchIn the 26th minute, a spinning ball down the left flank appeared to be heading out of play, only for it to curl back in towards Milos Kerkez.
The referee might have thought he’d stayed inside his technical area, but it should have been a warning at the very least.Alexis Mac Allister unfairly punished early onAlexis Mac Allister was first to go into the referee’s notebook at Anfield, being cautioned just before the half-time whistle for wiping out Joao Neves on the touchline.LiverpoolvsPSGPossession1.52Expected goals (xG)0.6617Shots104Shots on target41Big chances16Fouls committed97Corners2PSG’s No.87 was going absolutely nowhere, and with the yellow card meaning that the midfielder would be suspended for the next round, it seemed like a very harsh decision from Mariani.Fouls were flying in all over the pitch. It was hardly reckless from Mac Allister.
The referee went to his pocket far too easily on this occasion.Maurizio Mariani requires VAR to overturn penalty decisionLiverpool fans were bouncing off the walls when Mariani pointed to the penalty spot in the 64th minute, only to be massively disappointed following a VAR intervention.The referee eventually reached the right decision, but it was disappointing to see a UEFA official give a penalty for something so soft. There was contact between Mac Allister and William Pacho, but nowhere near enough to send the Liverpool man tumbling inside the penalty area. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.