West Brom feel Torbjorn Heggem was elbowed by Makhtar Gueye [Credit: Sky Sports]
West Brom feel Torbjorn Heggem was elbowed by Makhtar Gueye [Credit: Sky Sports]

Tony Brown reacts to major West Brom v Blackburn controversy as footage emerges

Dan Godfrey

Dan is a sports writer and broadcaster, who wrote for Breaking Media Limited's club sites between May 2024 and May 2025. Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with First Class Honours in Sports Journalism, Dan has worked with several EFL clubs, as well as with BBC Radio, talkSPORT and TNT Sports. He previously resided in Sydney, Australia, where he continued his career as a freelance writer and broadcaster in various sports.

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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."

Torbjorn Heggem
West Brom defender Torbjorn Heggem (credit: Imago)

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.

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