'We will see them given' - Ex-refs chief: Newcastle could have had a penalty vs Liverpool
Will Osula's honesty was refreshing to see as the Newcastle United striker was bundled over inside Liverpool's penalty area.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the 23-year-old's reaction was all he needed to see at St James' Park.
Matthias Jaissle's side got off to an incredible start, with Anthony Elanga slotting home after five minutes, and it could've gotten even better.
In the 24th minute, Osula was sent through in on goal by Yoane Wissa, only for Jeremy Jacquet and Alisson to smother him at the last second.
Some supporters were convinced that the Magpies deserved a penalty, seeing their striker wiped out inside the box, but not even VAR got involved.
Cody Gakpo, Joe Willock and Dominik Szoboszlai all exchanged goals in a four-goal thriller at St James' Park, and Stuart Attwell got another decision spot-on.
Will Osula puts no pressure on Stuart Attwell
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett praised Newcastle's No.10, who tried to play the ball, rather than cry out for a spot-kick.
"Do you know what was good here? It was the reaction of the player, who continued to go and play the ball," he said.
"There was no exaggeration by the player. There was honesty in it. He didn't overreact to the referee. He wanted to play the ball.
"And in a sense, there was no visual pressure put on the referee by the actions of the player. Therefore, I think little was said about it because there was no scream for a penalty kick.
"They just thought it was a natural part of the game. And I take that view. I think that it's good to see that.
"I think in a few weeks' time it will be different, won't it? It's not a penalty kick for me, but we will see them given."
What are Newcastle's chances of success under Matthias Jaissle?
After one game, the Magpies are sitting 10th in the Premier League, but it could have been even better without the last-gasp penalty at St James' Park.
Many pundits had tipped Newcastle to finish in the relegation zone due to the club's summer business, losing Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon.
However, following their display against the Reds, there is a newfound hope that the 2026-27 campaign won't be as disappointing as expected.
According to Opta, Newcastle only have a 9.41 per cent chance of being relegated come May, while they have a 17.62 per cent chance of securing Champions League football.