Julen Lopetegui has claimed that Wolves' 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United could have been 'very different' if his side were awarded a penalty and Nick Pope was sent off.
It was goalless at St James' Park when Sven Botman played a back pass to Pope in the 20th minute and the goalkeeper's heavy touch allowed Raul Jimenez to nip in. Pope then appeared to bodycheck Jimenez inside the box to send the Wolves striker flying to the ground as he attempted to run through on goal.
Kieran Trippier told Premier League Productions he was a 'bit nervous' that Wolves would have been given a spot-kick, but the Newcastle defender added that 'a few of the lads said he went down too easy'. Eddie Howe, echoing those thoughts, said Jimenez was 'on his way down before Nick touched him', which may have hinted at why referee Andrew Madley did not give the penalty.
