'Unbelievable' - Paul Merson left stunned by Ibrahima Konate decision in PSG vs Liverpool

Ibrahima Konate was fortunate to remain on the pitch against Paris Saint-Germain following a controversial incident with Bradley Barcola

Paul Merson was left stunned that Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate was allowed to stay on the pitch after denying Bradley Barcola a goal-scoring opportunity in the Champions League last-16 first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

The French champions dominated during the first half at Parc des Princes and even had a goal disallowed.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia saw his effort chalked off by a marginal offside.

Barcola later had his chance to score the opening goal but Konate, who was trying to defend a ball over the top, appeared to push him in the back just as he was about to shoot.

Referee Davide Massa chose not to punish Konate and subsequently, VAR checked for a possible penalty and red card but the on-field decision remained.

TNT commentators Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist were left surprised at the decision while Merson also made his feelings clear.

"Oh massive, in my opinion," he said. "The ball goes over the top, Barcola gets in front of Konate and he is in front of him and it's just outside the box.

"Konate comes in front of him and he charges him, he pushes him.

"Pushes him in his back, he goes flying just outside the box, not a penalty but definitely a red card.

"Unbelievable decision, he is very fortunate and Liverpool are very fortunate. It is definitely a foul, anywhere else on the pitch it's a foul and for me very fortunate."

Rio Ferdinand meanwhile, said: "That is a foul. The push is in the back, so it's a foul. If that's not a red card I'll be amazed."

At half-time, he added: "I can't believe how lucky Liverpool have been there. If Barcola and Konate were shoulder to shoulder then I get it. But Konate barges him basically on the numbers on his back, between his shoulder blades."