Curtis Davies reacts to West Brom controversy v Sheff Utd – ‘Lucky’
Curtis Davies believes that West Brom defender Kyle Bartley was “lucky” to not be sent off against Sheffield United.
The 33-year-old was involved in a coming together with Blades striker Kieffer Moore in the 18th minute as the contest was still goalless.
The Baggies defender appeared to elbow the former Cardiff City man before the 32-year-old seemed to stamp on the Albion man as he came down.
Former Derby defender Davies, speaking at half-time on the Sky Sports live broadcast [29 December] thought that a lack of VAR in the Championship saved the Albion man, saying: “Bartley is probably in my opinion a bit lucky to get away with that one, maybe on VAR if that is looked at he might get a red card.
“Kieffer Moore without holding his face didn’t complain too much but it did look at bit harsh.”
West Brom defender was lucky
The Albion defender was lucky not to be sent off in the contest, it was a blatantly aggressive move by Bartley.
Davies is right, he was fortunate to not see red for the incident and the Blades were right to be aggrieved that he stayed on the pitch.
He needs to avoid getting involved in those kinds of games with attackers due to his important status in the Albion squad, he is supposed to be experienced and level-headed.
Bartley has been a key figure in the club’s push for a playoff place and with injuries to the likes of Semi Ajayi and Mason Holgate will continue to be a big asset going forward.
The last thing he or the Baggies need is a three-match suspension for violent conduct with the setbacks that the defence has already suffered.
Luckily for Albion, there is no VAR in the Championship and the referee Stuart Atwell did not think there was enough in it to warrant a sending-off.
In other West Brom news, a top Liverpool journalist has given an update on John Heitinga after news of the Baggies’ interest in the coach.
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.