Darren Carter reacts to Marc Roberts hand ball incident in West Brom v Birmingham
West Brom suffered a big blow in their hopes of Championship play-offs as they lost 1-0 against Birmingham on Sunday (03 April).
In a poor derby clash between the two sides, on-loan Nottingham Forest striker Lyle Taylor scored for the home side from a penalty.
However, the Baggies should have had a penalty as the replay clearly shows Marc Roberts has handled the ball in the box as he went for a header, and Darren Carter has suggested that it was a “real let-off” for the Blues.
West Brom players appealed for a penalty but referee Dean Whitestone didn’t pay any heed.
Carter said on BBC Radio WM as relayed by the BBC website: “That Marc Roberts handball was a real let-off for Blues.”
Poor overall
Birmingham failed to beat Albion in the previous nine games, but a moment of madness had cost them three points.
In the 67thminute, Conor Townsend instinctively flung out his right hand after Onel Hernandez attempted to hook over a first-time cross.
Taylor made no mistake leaving San Johnstone with no chance of saving it.
Albion were in good form recently, but the result has ended their four-game unbeaten run. Steve Bruce won’t be happy with the level of performance after his side showed a lot of promise in previous games.
The Baggies enjoyed 58% possession and attempted eight shots, but they could manage a single effort on target, as per BBC Sport.
Had the penalty been awarded, the result could have been different, but the decision once again raises questions over the standard of referring in the Championship.
West Brom sit 12th in the table with 54 points and their slim play-off hope is nearly as good as over.
In other West Brom news, a staff member has quit the Albion to join Wolves.
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