Keith Hackett Exclusive: Wolves star Matheus Cunha denied penalty v Newcastle
Keith Hackett has given his verdict after Wolves were denied a penalty during their 3-0 loss to Newcastle.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the penalty decision was the wrong one after a “careless challenge” from Magpies defender Tino Livramento on Wolves striker Matheus Cunha.
Vitor Pereira’s side found themselves 2-0 down when the incident happened 62 minutes in, thanks to two goals from Arsenal-target Alexander Isak.
Newcastle would then score a third, as Isak set-up Anthony Gordon who was left completely unmarked in the box, and slotted past goalkeeper Jose Sa.
Wolves also had a goal ruled out after Santiago Bueno was adjudged to have handled it in the box, nullifying any attempted comeback by the Midlands side.
Alexander Isak blows Wolves away for Newcastle
Having missed the two previous league games for Wolves due to suspension for his part in a melee against Ipswich Town, Cunha was surprisingly left out of the starting 11 by Pereira.
Cunha is the top scorer for his side this season and his excellent form has sparked rumours of an exit from Molineux, as Mick Brown reported exclusively to Football Insider.
However, after coming off the bench at half-time, the Brazilian striker immediately changed the tempo of the game with his darting runs.
Just after the hour-mark, Cunha made a burst down the left channel, in between two Newcastle defenders, and appeared to be taken down by Livramento.
Referee Darren England saw things a little differently and waved away any protests from the former Atletico Madrid striker.
Speaking to Football Insider about the challenge, the former PGMOL chief said: “The defender commits a careless challenge by turning his body and sticking a leg out. Wolves should have had penalty kick.”
Whilst a goal from the spot would not have changed the result in isolation, it would have changed the tempo of the game and Wolves may well have found the momentum to fight back and earn a result, had England given the decision.
The result sees Wolves fall into the relegation zone in 18th place on 16 points and a goal difference of -17, Ipswich are above them on the same points but with a goal difference of -15.
In other news, Liverpool and Man United are in a race to sign Wolves’ star midfielder.
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