Dan Ballard issues message to Josh Maja after what he did v West Brom
Dan Ballard has issued a message to West Brom striker Josh Maja after his tackle forced the Baggies man off the pitch through injury, via the Sunderland Echo.
The news outlet reported [11 December] that Ballard felt for Maja, stating that his actions “dampens the win” for Sunderland, with concerns over the striker who has been plagued by injury since his move to the Hawthorns.
Ballard was booked for his scissor-like challenge on the 24-year-old, who was making his first start for the Baggies. The defender would then go on to score the opening goal as West Brom suffered a 2-1 defeat.
“At the time I just remember trying to win the ball and obviously it’s not nice when a player goes down injured,” he said.
“I had the same last year in the third game of the season where I broke my foot. It’s really not a nice situation.
“I really do wish him a speedy recovery if there is any damage there. I know that it is not a nice situation. I never mean to hurt a player so it sort of dampens the win because I do really feel for him.”
Hoping for best case scenario
Having just recovered from an ankle injury, there are fears over Maja’s new setback as he could not continue after Ballard’s challenge.
Many fans were calling for Ballard to see red, and it is more than understandable why. The challenge was totally reckless and made all the more frustrating as his goal opened the scoring as Sunderland beat West Brom for the second time in as many fixtures.
On a different day, with a different referee, Ballard is sent down the tunnel for an early bath. But the main concern is with the striker, who has been unavailable for the majority of the season so far.
He was an exciting prospect after signing from Bordeaux in the summer, but after only 1 start and eight substitute appearances, it has been a disappointing time in the Midlands for Maja.
It looked as though he was finally building back to full match sharpness, most recently coming off the bench and scoring against Leicester City. But the challenge from Ballard has given the forward yet another setback for Carlos Corberan and his staff to deal with.
In other West Brom news, a near £7billion development may shape the club’s January plans with Carlos Corberan to be demanding.