Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer in agreement with Jamie Carragher over controversial Nick Pope decision

Alan Shearer felt Nick Pope had a “lucky escape” in Newcastle United’s victory over Wolves at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

In the first half, and with the score at 0-0, Wolves striker Raul Jimenez latched onto Pope’s loose touch and appeared to be brought down by the Magpies goalkeeper inside the penalty area.

Referee Andrew Madley waved away the appeals for a penalty before VAR agreed with the on-field decision, much to Wolves’ frustration.

Shearer felt Wolves should have been awarded a penalty. He said: “That’s a very lucky escape. Could, probably should, have been a pen after that mistake from Pope.”

Meanwhile, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believed Pope should have also been sent off for the incident. The ex-Burnley goalkeeper was red carded last month for handling outside the area in a 2-0 loss to Liverpool which caused him to miss the Carabao Cup final.

And Carragher was adamant Pope should have faced another sending off.

“Nick Pope should’ve been sent off & Wolves awarded a penalty at Newcastle,” Carragher said.

“The directive from Howard Webb to try & stick with on field decisions as much as possible, was a mistake today. The referee was so far away there was no way he knew what had happened.

“It doesn’t matter who makes the decision, referee or VAR, as long as we get the right one more often than not.”

Newcastle picked up a much-needed 2-1 win in their bid for a Champions League spot as Alexander Isak opened the scoring before Miguel Almiron fired in the winner after Hwang Hee-chan had equalised for Wolves.