Matheus Nunes Reveals Shocking Comment Referee Kept Making to City Players During PSG Clash.
In a dramatic Champions League encounter at the Parc des Princes, Manchester City squandered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain. While City’s defensive collapse dominated headlines, Matheus Nunes revealed a controversial twist, alleging that the referee made repeated questionable comments toward City players, casting a shadow over an already intense match.
A Tactical and Goalless First Half
The first half was a tactical battle between two of Europe’s most formidable teams. Both sides approached the match with caution, focusing on controlling the midfield and limiting chances. Manchester City dominated possession, while PSG’s defense, led by Marquinhos and William Pacho, stood firm against the pressure.
PSG’s attacking trio of Désiré Doué, Kang-in Lee, and Bradley Barcola made several attempts to break down City’s defense but struggled to find the right rhythm. City had some promising moments, including a close-header from Erling Haaland and a long-range effort from Kevin De Bruyne, but the first 45 minutes ended without a goal.
City Take Charge Before the Collapse
City came out firing after the break. In the 50th minute, Jack Grealish scored the opener with a precise strike, catching PSG’s defense off guard. Just three minutes later, Haaland doubled City’s lead, converting a well-placed pass from De Bruyne into the back of the net.
At this point, City looked set to cruise to victory. However, PSG responded quickly with tactical changes that brought them back into the game.
In the 56th minute, Ousmane Dembélé, who was introduced early in the second half, scored with a powerful finish, assisted by Bradley Barcola, to pull one back for PSG. Four minutes later, Barcola leveled the score with a brilliant solo effort, putting PSG right back into contention.
PSG’s confidence grew, and in the 78th minute, Joao Neves put them ahead, finishing a precise pass from Vitinha with a composed strike.
The final blow came in stoppage time. In the 90+3 minute, Gonçalo Ramos capitalized on a late cross to seal the comeback and hand PSG a thrilling 4-2 victory.
Nunes’ Explosive Post-Match Claims
While City’s defensive collapse was a key talking point, Matheus Nunes’ post-match comments added an unexpected layer of controversy to the match. The Portuguese midfielder claimed that the referee had made several unprofessional remarks toward City players throughout the game.
“The referee kept saying things like, ‘You’ll need to step up if you want to win here,’” Nunes told reporters. “It felt completely unnecessary and unprofessional. We were all frustrated, but hearing that from the official just made it worse.”
Nunes added that the comments took a toll on the players’ focus. “When you’re trying to stay in the game and fight back, the last thing you need is the referee undermining you. It felt like we were up against more than just PSG tonight.”
Guardiola’s Measured Response
Pep Guardiola addressed the allegations cautiously during his press conference. “I don’t want to use this as an excuse for the result. We lost because we didn’t manage the game after going 2-0 up,” he said. “But if what Matheus said is true, it’s very disappointing. Referees are there to ensure fairness, not to make comments that affect players’ mentality. We’ll review the situation and decide how to proceed.
PSG Deny Allegations
PSG quickly dismissed the claims in a statement. “We have full confidence in the integrity of the officiating team. The result was decided on the pitch, and we will not engage in speculation or distractions,” the club said.
Fan and Pundit Reactions
The allegations sparked widespread debate, with fans split on the issue. While City supporters called for an investigation into the referee’s conduct, others focused on City’s inability to manage their lead.
Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves weighed in: “If the referee did say those things, it’s unprofessional and should be addressed. However, City must take responsibility for their collapse after going 2-0 up. It was a total meltdown.”
The Road Ahead
The defeat leaves City’s qualification hopes in jeopardy, with one group-stage match remaining. Meanwhile, UEFA may be forced to investigate the referee’s conduct if Manchester City files an official complaint.
For now, City will have to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures. However, the fallout from this game is far from over, with the referee’s alleged comments likely to remain a talking point in the weeks to come.
