‘Darnell Furlong to serve ban as West Brom evidence weak for the FA’ – Exclusive
Darnell Furlong was baffled after being sent off as West Brom hung on for a 1-0 victory against QPR in the Championship on Saturday.
The defender was given his marching orders after being adjudged to have elbowed opposition attacker Koki Saito by Adam Herczeg.
The Baggies went on to pick up all three points though after Adam Armstrong scored from the penalty spot, despite Tony Mowbray being left fuming.
Furlong set for West Brom suspension
Keith Hackett has suggested that clear evidence must be used if an appeal is sent to the FA.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, the ex-PGMOL chief insists that Furlong is likely to serve a three-match ban with the grounds for an appeal weak without new footage that hasn’t been seen yet.
“If West Brom are to appeal, then they must submit very clear footage that proves innocence,” Hackett said.
“Given the amount of technical coverage that is produced through its own camera systems and ones used for security that are usually trained on fans, I guess they will be reviewing those to see if any evidence is available.
“Without any, the grounds for appeal are weak. I suggest that he will receive a three-match ban without supporting evidence.”
West Brom set for huge Burnley clash
A trip to Burnley is up next for West Brom on Tuesday.
The Clarets are now only two points from top after Leeds United crashed to defeat at Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon, with Turf Moor a real fortress.
With Furlong likely unavailable, Mowbray will need to rotate his squad with Mason Holgate likely next in line, which creates real nerves.
| Predicted Championship table | xPTS | Title | Auto-promotion | Playoffs |
| West Brom (6th) | 70.20 | 0% | 0% | 61.90% |
The race for the playoffs is hotter than ever in the Championship, so avoiding defeat, no matter how tough, has to be the goal at Burnley.
If an appeal has gone in with fresh footage out of nowhere, Furlong may be available, but at this moment, it looks as though West Brom will be preparing without him.