Kyle Bartley could get five-match ban – Ex-West Brom employee
Kyle Bartley could receive a five-match ban for his sending off after the full-time whistle against Sheffield Wednesday, according to a former West Brom employee.
West Brom secured three crucial three points in dramatic circumstances against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (8 February), with new signing Adam Armstrong marking his debut with a goal.
The Baggies took a late lead through the aforementioned Armstrong before two stoppage-time goals saw adrenaline levels rise at The Hawthorns.
Jayson Molumby cancelled out a late Callum Paterson equaliser to make sure of a 2-1 victory but an incident after the full-time whistle left a sour taste in the mouth.
Kyle Bartley set for extended ban
Bartley received his marching orders after the game, as a result of an incident that saw the Baggies defender raise his arms into the face of an opponent.
According to Pat Frost, West Brom’s former kitman, Bartley could be set for a five-game ban with the incident likely to be seen as serious violent conduct.
“He’ll be lucky to get away with a five game ban,” Frost posted on X [8 February].
Typically, a sending-off in that regard would be a three-game ban, but with the FA likely to take a look at what happened, it could be even worse for West Brom‘s central defender.
After what was such a big three points, a moment of stupidity from Bartley has completely undermined the importance of the result and heightened the need for a return to fitness for Mason Holgate after his omission.
West Brom maintain promotion credentials
Aside from the frustration of the sending-off, West Brom will be delighted to have come away with all three points after some bold selection decisions from Tony Mowbray.
The decision to drop Mikey Johnston and Tom Fellows was a huge risk that ultimately didn’t pay off, with both players being called upon in the second half to change the game in favour of the Baggies.
With the playoffs in sight, West Brom need to keep up this run and use the momentum from the win to ensure that they can keep picking up points, with the race for a top-six finish still remarkably tight.
There is still a long way to go in this Championship season but if results like this can be replicated, the Baggies can all but prepare for a series of clashes in the playoffs.