Rio Ferdinand Explains His Silence After Liverpool’s Late Winner Against PSG
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has clarified why he remained silent following Liverpool’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s Champions League Round of 16 first-leg at the Parc des Princes. Despite PSG dominating the match with 27 shots—10 on target—Harvey Elliott secured a stunning victory for Liverpool with their only shot on goal, completing an unlikely comeback.
Throughout the game, Liverpool supporters took to social media, accusing TNT Sports’ commentary team—featuring Ally McCoist, Darren Fletcher, and Ferdinand—of biased coverage. The trio had spent much of the match praising PSG’s performance, only for the French side to suffer yet another European collapse, continuing their decade-long struggle in the competition.
Ferdinand, in particular, faced backlash for immediately calling Ibrahima Konaté’s challenge on Bradley Barcola a red-card offense before reviewing a replay. Later, he also wrongly suggested a PSG forward was “just offside,” despite replays clearly showing the player was at least a yard ahead of Liverpool’s defensive line.
Ferdinand Responds to Liverpool Fan Criticism
Following the match, The Anfield Agenda posted a video criticizing the perceived lack of neutrality in football commentary, singling out Ferdinand. In the clip shared on X, one of the hosts remarked: “You don’t need people like Rio Ferdinand commentating on a Liverpool game, knowing full well he doesn’t want to see you win anything.”
In response, Ferdinand addressed the criticism, offering an explanation for his silence after Elliott’s goal. He replied:
“Morning Craig. I wasn’t on the gantry when Liverpool scored… like in the 1st half where I left the commentary position to go back down pitchside after 36 minutes. I was asked to do the same in the 2nd half prior to the goal. Thanks.”
The long-standing rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United players, past and present, continues to fuel tensions, as seen in this latest debate. However, Liverpool fans will undoubtedly be the happier side, as their team secured a crucial 1-0 win, putting them in a strong position ahead of the second leg at Anfield—a notoriously difficult place for any opponent, especially with a deficit to overcome.