Alan Shearer called Newcastle United’s first-half penalty reprieve a “lucky escape” during the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. With the game goalless, Nick Pope fumbled a Sven Botman backpass straight into Raul Jimenez’s path.
As the striker pounced, Pope appeared to bring the striker down without making contact with the ball. Groans could be heard around St James’ Park as supporters appeared to accept a penalty but referee Andrew Madley waved play on.
VAR also refused to intervene and call the official to the pitchside monitor - a decision which incensed the Wolves dugout. On commentary, Jamie Carragher also believed the Magpies were fortunate not to give away a penalty.
READ MORE: Newcastle United 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Champions League bid firmly in Toon hands
“It’s just a mess,” he said. “You can see straight away Nick Pope looks at the referee - normally a sign of guilt. He’s a lucky boy, the only thing that saves him, maybe, is that the referee feels the ball has gone too far away.
“He’s very, very lucky. He doesn’t throw his leg or his arm out but it’s almost coming together with the midriff. He’s very lucky.”
Toon legend Shearer agreed with the former Liverpool defender, brandishing the tangle as “a mistake from Pope. Had the referee sent him off, just as he was against Liverpool three weeks ago, the goalkeeper would have received a four-match ban.
“That’s a very lucky escape,” Shearer tweeted. “Could, probably should have been a pen after that mistake from Pope.”
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