West Brom controversy v Sheff Utd: Attwell too lenient on ‘Reckless’ incident
Kyle Bartley was fortunate to get away without punishment for a clash with Kieffer Moore as West Brom drew 1-1 with Sheffield United, Keith Hackett has said.
The Baggies centre-back appeared to catch the Blades forward with an elbow during an aerial challenge at Bramall Lane but was not even cautioned by referee Stuart Atwell.
Former PGMOL chief Hackett explained the process behind such decisions and said it should have been at least a minimum of a yellow card.
Speaking to West Brom News, he said: “Once again this weekend we are witnessing the illegal use of the arm/elbow.
“This one should have resulted in a minimum yellow card for what is a reckless challenge.
“Referees have to be more alert and punish these.
“Referees monitoring the dropping zone are looking for two things:
“1.Does the offender take a crafty look before he jumps for the ball
“2. In using the arm / elbow is the offender clenching his fist before and during the backward arm action
“So, minimum yellow card for me.”
Kyle Bartley, Kieffer Moore battle in Sheffield United v West Brom
Coincidentally, Moore was later involved in a flash point of his own with Bartley where he also caught his opponent with an arm.
It was a tough battle all afternoon between both players, in a match where Andre Brooks’ opener was cancelled out by Karlan Grant’s leveller on the stroke of half-time in South Yorkshire.
Hackett added: “The outcome of this incident is that both players should have received a yellow card. The referee was too lenient.”
A point leaves West Brom, who are still without a replacement for head coach Carlos Corberan after he left for Valencia on Christmas Eve, eighth in the Championship table.
The Baggies are next in action at home to Preston on New Year’s Day.
In other West Brom news, watch Chris Wilder’s post-match interview take a bizarre turn.
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