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PSG thought they would open the score against Manchester City, but Hakimi's goal was disallowed for offside by Nuno Mendes… a decision that raises questions.
Wednesday evening, during the clash against Man City, the Parc des Princes held its breath at the very end of the first period. Achraf Hakimi, perfectly served in the area, found the back of the net after a high-class collective action. But barely the celebrations began, referee Szymon Marciniak signaled an offside on Nuno Mendes, at the origin of the action. A decision which immediately sparked debate, both on the ground and on social networks.
A frustrating action for PSG
Using video assistance, Marciniak confirmed that the Portuguese side's knee was a few millimeters higher than that of his counterpart. The visuals released by UEFA illustrate an offside almost undetectable to the naked eye, making the decision difficult to accept for Parisian supporters.
Technology and its limits
So, were Parisians harmed by a decision that was too strict? Some believe that the margin of error on this type of offside should be more flexible, to avoid what they consider to be an injustice. But the technology leaves no room for interpretation: according to the rules in force, Mendes' position is indeed illegal, even if the shift is a few millimeters away.
However, this decision reignites the debate on the use of VAR in these situations. Can we talk about football when a knee or a shoulder becomes the arbiter of actions? Another angle criticizes the loss of emotion that these prolonged interruptions cause, especially in matches of this intensity.
Conclusion: an indisputable decision
In conclusion, even if the frustration of Parisian supporters is understandable, it appears that the referee and the VAR applied the rules to the letter. Mendes' offside, as minimal as it may be, effectively invalidates the action which could have given PSG the advantage. A rigorous, but indisputable decision, to the great dismay of Luis Enrique's men.
Written by:
Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
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