The penalty was awarded after Hwang Hee-chan was judged to have fouled Fabian Schar in stoppage time, leading to the Newcastle defender falling to the ground and referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot. Many observers have suggested that Schar went down too easily, questioning the legitimacy of the penalty decision.
Nevertheless, the penalty was awarded, and Callum Wilson successfully converted it just before half-time, giving Newcastle a 2-1 lead at the break. The incident sparked significant debate during the halftime interval.
Sky Sports pundits Shay Given, the former Newcastle goalkeeper, and Karen Carney both expressed their agreement that it should not have been a penalty, providing their reasons for this stance.
Given said, “I think that’s the line – clear and obvious error. I don’t think it’s a clear and obvious error from the referee. When I first saw it live, I wasn’t sure, and there’ll be angles that will say it is a penalty and angles that say it isn’t. Anthony Taylor only gets one opportunity to see it live, Schar knows the challenge is coming and perhaps goes down a bit easy for me.”
Karen Carney concurred with Given’s assessment, stating, “I don’t think it’s a penalty. Hwang actually kicks the floor, and Schar gets into him for me, but the referee’s decision is the one they stuck with.”
Carney also provided her analysis of Wolves’ opening goal, scored by Mario Lemina in the 36th minute. She pointed out that Trippier should have defended better, describing him as too weak in his effort and losing his man. She praised Lemina’s excellent header, noting that he showed greater determination, outmuscling Trippier, and that Nick Pope, who attempted to come out for the ball, found himself in a difficult position and was unable to reach it. She attributed two errors from Newcastle to the goal they conceded.
Leave a Reply