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Elliott Jackson & Chris Watson

Theo Walcott's verdict on penalty decision against Newcastle after Jamaal Lascelles tackle

Newcastle United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Southampton - and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker reckons it could have been even worse for the Magpies.

Steve Bruce's men fell behind early on in Friday night's Premier League clash at St Mary's Stadium as Che Adams struck a seventh-minute opener.

Stuart Armstrong then wrapped up the victory in the 82nd minute to send the Saints top of the table.

Shortly before the second goal, Southampton might have had a penalty when Theo Walcott went down in the area under a last-ditch challenge from Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles.

Replays showed that Lascelles may have got a bit of the ball followed by a fair bit of the player as Walcott was left needing treatment.

However, neither referee Peter Bankes or VAR adjudged it to be a foul.

Former England star Lineker thought it was the wrong decision, tweeting: "That is a penalty for @SouthamptonFC. How did VAR miss that?"

Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith was of the same view, saying: "Have they checked that? Wow.

"Have I missed something here?

"I'm a little bit perplexed how that's not awarded as a penalty.

"It doesn't matter if he touches the ball, he's followed through on the player. That is a clear foul.

"Well, they know more about it than me, obviously, in Stockley Park, but how many times have we seen challenges in the middle of the park where it's deemed a dangerous one even though somebody has got the ball? I don't know.

"First time of viewing, it looked a great challenge but I'm not so convinced afterwards."

Walcott, though, disagreed with Lineker and Smith.

"No, I spoke to him (Lascelles) after," the forward told Sky Sports.

"He had to go in, I had to go in and it's one of those, it's foot on foot.

"I didn't think it was a penalty but I felt it, I felt everything, just like my wrist.

"I'm a bruised man right now but I got back up and I didn't think it was a penalty, no."

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