EFL referee hailed after West Brom phsyio incident with Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto
Noel Egan was delighted with how referee Sam Alisson handled an incident between Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto and a West Brom physio.
The ex-FIFA official claims it would have been unnecessary to book anybody involved in the incident.
Gnonto appeared to push one of the Baggies’ physios during the 0-0 draw between the two sides at The Hawthorns on Saturday (17 August).
As reported by Leeds Live (17 August), “[Junior Firpo] collided with [Jayson] Molumby. They both stayed down. Firpo then checked on the West Brom man, but was pushed back by the home physio. Gnonto then came over and gave the physio a little shove back.”
And Egan – speaking exclusively to West Brom News – feels that Alisson handled the situation expertly.
“I’d put this down as handbags, to be honest,” Egan said.
“There is an awful lot that goes on between players and club staff once they’re in and beyond the tunnel. I can assure you, I’ve witnessed it myself.
“The fact that this happened on the pitch, it is just born out of frustration on the field at the time. I think the referee handled it quite well. Just get on with it.
“If the referee had started handing out cards that might have manifested itself into something much greater later on in the game.”
West Brom and Carlos Corberan earn a point against Leeds United
It has been a positive start to the season for Carlos Corberan and his players.
After an opening-day victory, they earned a hard-fought point in a tough match against the Whites.
Emotions were clearly running high as Gnonto clashed with a member of the Baggies’ backroom team in what was a rather unusual incident.
However, Corberan is unlikely to be concerned by the incident.
Nothing much came of the spat and Corberam will no doubt have already turned his attention toward Stoke City on Saturday (24 August).
In other West Brom news, the club have made an approach to sign Preston striker Will Keane.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.