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

Rio Ferdinand Explains His Silence After Liverpool’s Late Winner Against PSG

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has addressed why he remained silent following Liverpool’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday night’s Champions League Round of 16 first-leg at the Parc des Princes. Despite PSG dominating the game with 27 shots—10 on target—Harvey Elliott secured a stunning victory for Liverpool with their only shot on goal, snatching a crucial result from the brink of defeat.

Throughout the match, Liverpool fans took to social media to accuse TNT Sports’ commentary team—featuring Ally McCoist, Darren Fletcher, and Ferdinand—of biased coverage. The trio spent much of the game praising PSG’s performance, only for the French side to once again falter on the European stage, continuing a decade-long pattern of underachievement.

Ferdinand, in particular, came under fire for quickly labeling Ibrahima Konate’s tackle on Bradley Barcola as a red-card offense before seeing a replay. Later, he also incorrectly claimed a PSG attacker was “just offside,” despite clear evidence showing he was at least a yard ahead of Liverpool’s defensive line.

Ferdinand Responds to Criticism from Liverpool Fans

The Anfield Agenda posted a video on Thursday morning criticizing what they saw as a lack of neutrality in football commentary, with Ferdinand being a primary target. In the clip shared on X, one of the hosts argued: “You don’t need people like Rio Ferdinand commentating on a Liverpool game when it’s obvious he doesn’t want to see them succeed.”

Ferdinand later responded to the criticism, addressing accusations that he had gone quiet after Elliott’s goal. In a reply to the video, he clarified:

“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.”

Liverpool in the Driving Seat

Tensions between Liverpool fans and former Manchester United players are nothing new, and this latest incident only adds to the rivalry. However, Liverpool supporters have plenty to celebrate after taking a major step toward the Champions League quarter-finals. Their 1-0 victory at the Parc des Princes puts them in a strong position ahead of the second leg at Anfield, where PSG will face a daunting task in trying to overturn the deficit next Tuesday.