28 November 2023 , 23:17
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TNT Sports host Laura Woods reassured viewers Rio Ferdinand was alright after the pundit was forced to make an early exit from the studio.
Ferdinand had been due to speak ahead of his former club Manchester United taking on Galatasaray in a pivotal Champions League clash on Wednesday. When it emerged the pundit wouldn't be taking part in the conversation, though, Woods was quick to clear things up.
"Rio would be here to chat about Manchester United now but we had to let him go [due to] unforeseen circumstances," she said. "He is OK, don't worry."
With Ferdinand forced to leave early, commentator Ally McCoist joined Woods and pundit Jermaine Jenas after the conclusion of Newcastle's game against Paris Saint-Germain. Eddie Howe's side led for more than an hour through Alexander Isak, only for Kylian Mbappe to equalise from the penalty spot in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
"When you look at that decision there, it's one of the most disgraceful decisions that I've seen in a long time," Jenas said of the decision to award PSG their late penalty for a handball against Tino Livramento. "The reason being is because you look at the nature of the game, all the energy that the players have put into it, and it comes down to a really shocking decision that a referee has made.
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"It's a deflection off his body onto his arm - not in any walk of life is that a penalty. You can clearly see it hits Livramento's chest, onto his arm - what's he supposed to do with his arms, wrap them around his back?"
Laura Woods reassured viewers after Rio Ferdinand left the broadcast (TNT Sport)What are you expecting from Wednesday's Champions League action? Have your say in the comments section
While Newcastle can still make it out of their group, Ferdinand's old club Manchester United know they will be eliminated if they lose to Galatasaray. The reverse fixture saw Erik ten Hag's side lose 3-2 at Old Trafford, and they have just three points from their first four group games.
Attacking pair Rasmus Hojlund and Antony are both in contention to start in Turkey after missing the weekend victory away to Everton. Teenage starlet Kobbie Mainoo could also start after impressing at Goodison Park, and manager Erik ten Hag praised the youngster in his pre-match press conference.
Man Utd can't afford to lose again to Galatasaray (Getty Images)"If they are good enough, they are old enough," the former Ajax boss said. "We are very pleased with the performance [at Everton], but it's one performance and you have to do it on a consistent basis. Kobbie is so mature, [but] you are only good as your last game.
"Keep your focus on the game. You have to focus on your game, your performance and get the right levels in. When we observe, if a player is moving away from football and getting distracted, we will tell them."