Nick Pope avoids red for ‘stonewall penalty’ with Jamie Redknapp in disbelief
Nick Pope avoided another red card during Newcastle's Premier League win over Wolves – in a decision that has baffled both Jamie Redknapp and football supporters.
Raul Jimenez went to ground inside the box following Pope's mix-up with the ball at his feet – the goalkeeper having previously been sent off and banned for handling outside the box against Liverpool, meaning he missed Newcastle's Carabao Cup final against Manchester United last month.
With the game paused as officials took a look, Redknapp was left baffled in the Sky Sports studio as to why the referee didn't go and check the monitor.
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Redknapp said on Sky Sports: "I cannot believe they haven't sent Andy Madley to the monitor. Nick Pope just takes him out with his right shoulder.
"For the referee it's difficult, he's 50 yards away. No doubt it's a foul. And because he's not tried to play the ball that's a penalty and red card."
Presenter Dave Jones explained that the officials didn't see the original call as being a 'clear and obvious' error, but many fans did not agree.
Penalty or no penalty? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
A fan added: "Officiating in the Premier League is awful. How Wolves were never given a penalty and Nick Pope a red card is beyond me. Baffling."
A second agreed: "How is Nick Pope still on the field??? If that’s not a pen and a booking at least, then what’s the point of VAR."
A third posted: "Nick Pope should have been sent off. The officiating in this league is embarrassing."
Having said that, Newcastle fans were quick to defend their goalkeeper following Alexander Isak's opener, suggesting Jimenez was looking for it.
One fan said: "Jimenez was absolutely looking for the foul and on his way down BEFORE the actual contact happened!" A second agreed: "Jimenez was looking for it and went down very easy, if he’d stayed on his feet he’d probably score too."
With Newcastle going on to win 2-1 thanks to Miguel Almiron's strike after Hwang Hee-chan's equaliser, Eddie Howe's men went back above Liverpool into fifth place, as they chase down Tottenham in fourth and a Champions League spot.
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