Pundit has new take on Nick Pope controversy as Newcastle United footage re-analysed – ‘from this angle…’
Alan Hutton “feels sorry for” Nick Pope after re-analysing his challenge on Raul Jimenez when Newcastle United beat Wolves on Sunday (12 March).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said referee Andy Madley should have had another look at the incident to be certain of his decision.
As shown on Sky Sports (12 March), Pope appears to make contact with Raul Jimenez in the penalty area and despite massive penalty claims from Wolves, Madley waved play on.
VAR official Tony Harrington did not feel Madley had made a clear and obvious error and Pope escaped without punishment.
Eddie Howe’s side went on to win the game 2-1 thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron.
When asked for his assessment of the decision, Hutton told Football Insider: “I kind of feel for him there, it is a poor touch and he is trying to get back in.
“The striker knows exactly what he is doing, he is waiting for any sort of contact and he is going down. There is not a great deal in it from that angle.
“I do not see there being a problem with looking at it just in case. But, normally when he gets sent to the monitor, they think he has made a mistake.
“But if you are unsure there is the opportunity there to go and have a look just to make sure you have made the right decision.“
In other news, according to sources, Eddie Howe tells Dan Ashworth the two players he most wants at Newcastle United next season.