Ipswich Town goalkeeper Alex Palmer stood centre-stage during Wolves’ win at Portman Road.
Vitor Pereira inspired Wolves to victory against Ipswich, despite not being on the touchline for the contest.
The Old Gold are in touching distance of confirming Premier League safety after coming from behind to win at Portman Road.
Wolves can secure survival as early as May 2nd, with the pressure reduced significantly after getting the better of relegation rivals Ipswich.
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Why Alex Palmer wasn’t sent off in Wolves win vs Ipswich
Jorgen Strand Larsen was the man of the moment again for Wolves, scoring in the 84th minute to win the game.
Pablo Sarabia commenced the comeback in the 72nd minute, in a contest that was full of drama.
Though Wolves’ two goals came late in the second half, arguably the greatest chance to score was awarded to Pereira’s side before the interval, as Ipswich conceded an indirect free-kick.
Goalkeeper Alex Palmer handled a back-pass to prevent the ball from trickling over the line, denying a goalscoring opportunity to prompt fans to ask why the shot-stopper wasn’t sent off.
The frequency of the questions intensified after Palmer was booked for encroachment before the kick was taken, seeing fans fume as the Englishman remained on the pitch.
While frustrations were understandable, a rarely-visited rule actually exempted the goalkeeper from being sent off in the passage of play.
According to IFAB, the International Football Association Board, the punishment for a goalkeeper handling a backpass is an indirect free kick and ‘no card’ shown.
It’s also stated by The FA that ‘no disciplinary sanction’ is necessary, explaining why Peter Bankes only sanctioned Palmer for encroachment.
Kieran McKenna emphasises importance of Wolves’ win
Wolves didn’t score the indirect free kick as Emmanuel Agbadou fired the ball towards the Tractor Boys’ 11-man wall, but fortunately, Sarabia and Strand Larsen got the job done.
The win was a significant one for the Old Gold, just as it was for Ipswich, as manager Kieran McKenna all but accepted his side’s relegation after the game.
“I think it’s certainly more than likely on the balance of probabilities,” McKenna told the media post-match.
“Not that I don’t think we can’t finish the season strongly, but Wolves are a strong side and the chance of them losing all their games is really low.
“The likelihood is we’ll fall short of our ultimate dream.”
The contest ended in a dire dose of reality for Ipswich and an injection of joy and relief for Wolves, who are set to maintain their Premier League status.