Fans in disbelief as Daniel Podence escapes red card after appearing to spit on Brennan Johnson

Wolverhampton Wanderers star Daniel Podence was lucky to escape a potential red card after appearing to spit on Nottingham Forest player Brennan Johnson.

On Saturday, Wolves travelled to the City Ground in what was billed as a potential relegation six-pointer against midlands rivals Forest.

Welshman Johnson gave the home side the lead after scoring in the 38th minute.

In the second half, Wolves bit back in the closing stages as Podence scored a brilliant goal to make it 1-1 in the 83rd minute.

However, Podence could have gone from hero to zero after the camera captured him appearing to spit in the direction of Johnson during an altercation.

After a long VAR consultation, Podence escaped any serious punishment and the match ended 1-1.

Fans were in disbelief over the decision by the officials.

One said: “Podence 100% deserved a red card for spitting on Brennan Johnson!”

Another tweeted: “How do var not send him off?”

A third fan added: “Just look at VAR. Podence spit at Johnson and they took zero action. This is ridiculous!”

Someone else wrote: “VAR probably showed that Podence did spit at Johnson, but reverted to type and missed completely.”

Whilst a fifth commented: “Loved the performance apart from the result. Not sure how Podence can spit and VAR say no offence?”

Speaking after the match, Johnson himself played down his altercation with Podence.

He said to BBC Sport: “I think it's just high emotion. I don't remember it clearly.

“I don't want to talk about it too much. I saw a motion come from him but they looked at it and it didn't happen.”

On the match, Johnson added: “The overriding emotion is disappointment.

“It's good to play in these big games but we couldn't bring the three points for the fans.

“When chances come like that, and not too many come in the Premier League, I really concentrate on getting the finish off.”

After the draw, Wolves remain one point ahead of Forest with both teams sitting in 13th and 14th place respectively.