Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes that Wolves were very unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in their loss to West Bromwich Albion.
Not long after the visitors had taken the lead through a penalty of their own, a scramble in the box forced Baggies goalkeeper David Button to punch the ball right at defender Kieran Gibbs, only for the ball to seemingly hit him on the arm from close range. The Wolves players appealed, but to no avail.
And speaking exclusively to This Is Futbol Halsey says that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were very unfortunate not be awarded a penalty as Gibbs’ hands and arms weren’t in a natural position given the circumstances:
“I think his arms and hands are in an unnatural position. I mean, because why would you put your arms there? I look at the close proximity. Yes, he was close, but there was no pace on the ball, there was no pace. So for me, that there is unnatural… I thought it was handball and I was surprised Nuno didn’t make more of it after the game.”
Should Wolves have had a penalty here?
Yes
No
This is certainly one of those instances where Wolves can feel harshly treated, especially given how the game panned out. An instant response to going a goal behind might have change the outcome of the game and given them more of a cushion to work with to prevent Sam Allardyce’s men from coming back to win it.
And whilst Wolves might not be fighting for much this season, sitting equidistant between 6th place and the relegation zone, it still might be something that ends up costing them a place or two in the final Premier League table, something that could cost them financially.
Something that you don’t want to happen in this season of all seasons.