Tony Brown reacts to major West Brom v Blackburn controversy as footage emerges
West Brom had a case for opponents Blackburn Rovers to be reduced to 10 men during the early stages of their match at The Hawthorns, according to Tony Brown.
The two sides headed into the clash sat fifth and sixth respectively in the Championship, in what could be a huge night in terms of the play-off race.
The match also sees Tony Mowbray reunite with the club with whom he spent five years, with Rovers themselves missing manager John Eustace as he discusses a move to Derby County.
VAR could have seen Blackburn red card
West Brom and Mowbray were aggrieved after an incident in the opening chapter of the game, as Blackburn striker Makhtar Gueye appeared to elbow Torbjorn Heggem in the face.
The extent of the altercation was missed by officials with VAR not available in the Championship.
Brown, live on BBC Radio WM (12 February, 20:06), believes had there been an offer of a replay monitor available, Gueye could have been sent his marching orders.
“That’s a foul. Just seen it on the screen there, it’s an elbow,” he said.
“The referee’s having a word with the big centre-forward there, he’s elbowed Heggem in the face. If we had VAR, he’d be in trouble there.”
Mowbray aiming to secure top-six place for West Brom
Mowbray comes up against his former side who are also looking to snatch into the top six come the end of the season.
Blackburn will not only be familiar with the Baggies’ returning boss, but also former Ewood Park frontman Adam Armstrong, who signed in the final minutes of the winter transfer window on loan from Southampton.
West Brom invested well into their attacking options during the market, in an attempt to tilt draws into wins – it has worked half the time in Mowbray’s short second reign to date, with no draws but two wins and two defeats heading into Wednesday’s game.
It ensures the Albion manager is so far spoilt for choice when it comes to his team selection, as he figures out his best team to ensure the top six.