Tony Brown rages at ‘disgrace’ after first-half incident in West Brom v Preston
West Brom legend Tony Brown has branded Liam Lindsay’s challenge on Brandon Thomas-Asante a “disgrace” during their 3-0 win against Preston North End.
Preston defender Lindsay was booked for “hugging” Thomas-Asante as he looked to sprint clear in the 17th minute of the clash, with Albion looking to wrap up a Championship play-off place.
Albion went on to win comfortably and secure fifth place in the league.
“That’s a disgrace,” Brown claimed on BBC Radio WM [May 4, 12:49pm].
“He’s practically hugging him, and he hasn’t let him go at all.
“So, you know, once you’ve made the foul, you let the player go – but he didn’t. Thomas-Asante might have been away there – he’s heading towards goal.”
Thomas-Asante has been an impressive performer for Albion this season, contributing 11 goals and two assists [Sofascore].
Do West Brom have what it takes for the Premier League?
The fact West Brom’s play-off fate has gone to the wire has been unwelcome for fans at The Hawthorns, as echoed by chairman Shilen Patel.
Carlos Corberan’s side have slowed down too early this season and must therefore finish the job against Preston at The Hawthorns.
Assuming Albion do manage enough for a top-six spot, the play-offs will provide a new lease of life to the team that were likely planning for the event months ago.
Alan Brazil shared on talkSPORT earlier this week how Troy Deeney had high hopes for West Brom and even backed them to reach the Premier League.
A return to the top flight after three years seems unlikely at this point with Leeds United and Southampton among Albion’s competition for the third promotion spot, but stranger things have happened in the play-offs and serious reinforcement would be required in the summer.
To maintain the spine of their team would be important for Corberan, with Player of the Season Cedric Kipre’s contract set to expire. Players like the Ivorian would be key to build around if the club were to achieve an unlikely promotion.
In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan tells of how he enjoys the pressure of the top six race.
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