Ex-FIFA official predicts major FA punishment for Valerien Ismael after West Brom footage
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League & FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at West Brom...
Keith Hackett expects Valerien Ismael to be hit with a touchline ban after the West Brom manager’s actions sparked a mass brawl at the end of the draw with Cardiff on Sunday.
In what was the final piece of the action in the 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns, Conor Townsend was brought down in the penalty area but referee Thomas Bramall waved away appeals.
As he blew the final whistle after denying Albion a penalty described as “stonewall” by Cardiff boss Steve Morison, a fuming Ismael entered the field of play.
While Ismael was quickly held back and whisked away by players from both teams, his actions led to tempers flaring and Sam Johnstone and Aden Flint were both shown red cards by Bramall.
Hackett feels the Baggies should have had a penalty but feels Ismael’s actions led to the angry post-match scenes at The Hawthorns and predicts the Frenchman to be punished by the FA.
“I have some sympathy with the West Brom manager because they should have had a penalty kick,” Hackett told West Brom News.
“He’s lucky not to be sent off, he’s way out of order and there’s no doubt in my mind that the manager should’ve received a red card. There’s absolutely no reason why not.
“Even though he’s frustrated and has every right to complain because the penalty should have been awarded, it wasn’t.
“Ismael’s got opportunities post-match to vent his frustration and you can’t, as a manager, leave your technical area and come onto the pitch.
“And then the argument then is did his fury spark the mass confrontation that then came about with two players sent off? ‘If the manager can have a go, then I can have a go’ and you lose all control.
“That’ll be really investigated by the FA so I’m sure he can expect a touchline ban and a fine.”
West Brom have had five players sent off in their last 11 Championship matches, scoring just six goals in that time.
In other West Brom news, a star QPR player has been ruled out of playing against the Albion later this month.
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