Rio Ferdinand Reveals Why He Stayed Silent After Liverpool’s Winning Goal Against PSG

Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has addressed the controversy surrounding his silence following Liverpool’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg at the Parc des Princes. The game, which saw PSG dominate in possession and attempts on goal, ended in heartbreak for the French side after Harvey Elliott converted Liverpool’s only shot on target to secure a stunning 1-0 victory.

Throughout the match, TNT Sports’ commentary team—featuring Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, and Darren Fletcher—lavished praise on PSG’s performance, acknowledging their relentless attacking display. PSG registered 27 shots, with 10 on target, yet failed to find the back of the net, reinforcing their long-standing struggles in the competition. The unexpected result reignited debates over PSG’s inability to capitalize on their dominance in Europe’s elite tournament.

Liverpool fans, however, were quick to accuse the TNT Sports panel of bias. Many took to social media to express frustration over the commentary, claiming that Ferdinand, a well-known Manchester United icon, was unwilling to acknowledge Liverpool’s success. This sentiment was further fueled by Ferdinand’s initial reaction to a contentious challenge by Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté on Bradley Barcola.

Ferdinand was adamant in his live commentary that Konaté’s challenge was worthy of a red card, a claim that was heavily disputed upon review. Moments later, he also incorrectly suggested that a PSG forward was offside when replays showed he was clearly ahead of the defensive line. These incidents led to increased scrutiny over Ferdinand’s objectivity when analyzing Liverpool matches.

Following the match, tensions escalated when The Anfield Agenda, a prominent Liverpool fan outlet, shared a video criticizing Ferdinand’s lack of neutrality. The video, widely circulated on social media platform X, included a pointed remark: “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 to the backlash, Ferdinand took to social media to clear the air, addressing the claims that he deliberately stayed silent after Elliott’s last-minute winner. In his post, Ferdinand explained that his absence was not due to bias but rather logistical reasons.

“Morning Craig. I wasn’t on the gantry when Liverpool scored… like in the first half where I left the commentary position to go back down pitchside after 36 minutes. I was asked to do the same in the second half prior to the goal. Thanks.”

This clarification suggested that Ferdinand’s silence was not intentional but rather a result of production decisions made by TNT Sports. Despite his explanation, many Liverpool supporters remained skeptical, believing that his long-standing rivalry with their club played a role in his demeanor throughout the match.

The historical animosity between Manchester United and Liverpool has often extended beyond the pitch, involving players, pundits, and fanbases. Ferdinand, having spent over a decade at United, has never shied away from expressing his loyalties. His previous comments on Liverpool’s failures and successes have often been met with scrutiny, making him a divisive figure among Reds supporters.

Liverpool’s victory at the Parc des Princes puts them in an advantageous position heading into the second leg at Anfield. The Merseyside club has built a reputation for thriving under European nights at home, making it an even more daunting task for PSG to overturn the deficit. The French giants, despite their star-studded squad, must now find a way to break their cycle of Champions League collapses.

Meanwhile, PSG’s struggles continue to be a point of discussion. With Kylian Mbappé widely rumored to be leaving the club at the end of the season, the team’s inability to progress deep into the Champions League remains a significant concern. Their dominance in Ligue 1 has not translated to continental success, leading to mounting pressure on manager Luis Enrique and the club’s executives.

For Liverpool, this hard-fought win is another testament to their resilience under Jürgen Klopp. Despite being on the back foot for most of the match, they capitalized on their moment, demonstrating the efficiency and winning mentality that has defined their European campaigns in recent years.

As the debate over Ferdinand’s neutrality rages on, one thing remains certain: his presence in football media will continue to spark strong reactions. Whether his absence during Liverpool’s winning goal was coincidental or not, his history with Manchester United ensures that any analysis of Liverpool’s matches will be scrutinized by fans.

Looking ahead, Liverpool will aim to complete the job at Anfield and progress to the Champions League quarter-finals, while PSG faces yet another uphill battle in their quest for European glory. The return leg is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having much to prove.

In the world of football, rivalries extend beyond the pitch. Ferdinand’s latest controversy is just another chapter in the ongoing war of words between Manchester United and Liverpool supporters. With the stakes higher than ever, both on the field and in the commentary box, the drama is far from over.