Penalty decision leaves Magpies boss Howe leaving 'flat'

Eddie Howe admitted Newcastle's controversial last-gasp draw at Paris Saint-Germain has left him feeling "flat".

The Magpies were denied a famous Champions League win at the Parc des Princes after a fortuitous spot-kick was given against them in stoppage time.

Tino Livramento was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball after Ousmane Dembele's cross deflected off the defender's chest and onto his arm.

Kylian Mbappe converted from 12 yards, cancelling out Alexander Isak's first-half opener and undoing what had been a spirited display from the Geordies in the French capital.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Howe said: "I'm still coming to terms with it. I feel really flat but at the same time really pleased with what the players gave today — their commitment, execution. 

"We rode our luck. We ran out of luck at the end. I didn't think it was a penalty.

"What you don't take into account with those replays is how quick the ball goes. It hits his chest first. 

"If it hits his hands first, well it's still not a penalty because he's so close. But you can make more of a case.

"It's not a penalty when it hits his chest first and then hits his hand which is low. I'm not allowed to sum it up. I can't say my inner thoughts obviously [I'd get in trouble].

"I thought the referee was having a good game up until this moment. He had been strong."

The 1-1 draw takes Newcastle's hopes of knockout qualification out of their hands, with Howe's men needing to beat AC Milan next month and for Borussia Dortmund to prevent PSG winning.

Howe added: "We're still in it. That's another thing we can't forget. We could easily have come here and have not been in the competition anymore. 

"We still believe. As much as it's a huge, deflating feeling — it could be another story in our season."