West Brom: Ex-FIFA official speaks out about ‘appalling’ incident v Rotherham at The Hawthorns
Geoff Eltringham needs to explain his decision to award West Brom a penalty in their game against Rotherham United on Wednesday (10 April), according to Keith Hackett.
The former Premier League and FIFA official tweeted on Thursday (11 April) that it was an “appalling” decision from the referee as he deemed Lee Peltier had handled the ball despite footage suggesting it hit him in the face.
He added that the Millers defender was also a couple of feet outside the box when the ball struck him, with the Baggies claiming a 2-0 victory at The Hawthorns.
“Referee Geoff Eltringham needs to explain his reasons behind his appalling penalty kick decision in the WBA v Rotherham game last night,” said Hackett.
“If it was for handball then the offence must be inside the penalty area. The player judged to have handled was a couple of feet outside.”
Difficult to understand West Brom penalty decision
It’s completely baffling that the referee deemed the alleged offence to have been committed inside the box when it was clear for all to see that it was outside the area.
While it was difficult to initially spot that the ball didn’t actually hit Peltier’s hand due to his arms being raised in the air, there is no real excuse for the officials to come to the decision they did.
Although it is the referee who will take the blame, his assistants didn’t do him any favours, either, as at least one of them should have seen that the incident occurred outside the box.
It perhaps wouldn’t have changed the result as Albion were already ahead when attacking midfielder John Swift stepped up to score the penalty, but Rotherham do have a right to feel aggrieved.
Carlos Corberan will just be pleased to see his side pick up an important three points on their way to securing their place in the playoffs this season.
In other West Brom news, the club have been told to thrash out a deal for one player after a problem has emerged.
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