‘Let’s put it this way…’ – Exclusive: Phillips shares verdict on West Brom v Derby controversy
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips believes it would have been a “soft” penalty for West Brom if they were awarded one in the second half for a push on Matheus Pereira.
Albion beat the Rams 2-0 at The Hawthorns on Wednesday night but their victory could have been bigger if Slaven Bilic’s side were awarded a penalty.
Matthew Clarke appeared to shove Pereira over in the penalty area and despite the appeals of West Brom players and Bilic, the referee refused to point to the spot.
Phillips also thought it was a penalty when watching the game in real-time but after thinking about it, he does not think it was as stonewall as he first thought.
“My initial reaction was ‘penalty’, just like Slaven Bilic’s initial reaction on the touchline,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Let’s put it this way, I’ve seen them given. It wasn’t a huge push and he probably made a little bit more of it but there was contact and it was in the box.
“I wouldn’t have been surprised if he gave it but I’m not surprised he didn’t give it. It would have been a soft one.
“Thankfully, it didn’t really matter in the end. It would have been different if Derby were winning or it would have been a draw.”
It was a penalty – Clarke clearly shoved Pereira in the back.
If that happens anywhere else on the pitch then a free-kick is given for it without any complaints because it is a foul and everyone will accept that if it is in the middle of the pitch and away from the penalty area.
As soon as things get into the penalty area, people seem to change their opinions.
We don’t agree with Super Kev on this at all. West Brom should have been awarded a spot-kick but, fortunately, it didn’t have any impact on the overall result.
In other West Brom news, Albion could be invited to play for silverware at Wembley next month.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.