Exclusive: Gavin Ward fails to spot controversial antics in Burnley v West Brom
West Brom took advantage of some slack refereeing as they XXX Burnley at Turf Moor on Tuesday night.
Tony Mowbray saw the Albion move up to fifth in the Championship standings as they ensured they’d end the regular season having not been beaten by the top three; Leeds, Sheffield United and the Clarets.
John Swift’s stunning free-kick handed the Baggies the lead in the 20th minute before a Joe Wildsmith clanger allowed Zian Flemming to equalise just three minutes later.
The game ended in dramatic fashion as both CJ Egan-Riley and Burnley manager Scott Parker were shown red cards.
But that wasn’t the only controversy that was a talking point at full-time.
Swift antics lead to sublime West Brom goal
Ward whistled for a West Brom free-kick right on the edge of the penalty area when John Brownhill fouled Swift in the 18th minute.
Replays show that the foul clearly happened inside the ‘D’ of the penalty area. However, Swift’s free-kick was then taken several yards back, which allowed him to lift the ball over Burnley’s wall and into the top corner of James Trafford’s net.
Keith Hackett wasn’t too impressed by Ward for allowing Swift to take his free-kick where he did, saying that the referee failing to apply the laws of the game correctly.
| Championship stats | John Swift |
| Appearances (starts) | 32 (16) |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Yellow cards | 4 |
| Red cards | 0 |
“All free kicks are taken from the place where the offence occurred. That is the requirement placed on referees applying the law correctly,” the former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee told West Brom News.
“This certainly did not happen here and referee Gavin Ward, with the ability to use his spray, can indicate where the offence took place and where the ball should be placed.
“By allowing the free kick to move, to a point, at least one metre back improves the opportunity of the kicker to shoot over the wall to the goal.
“Basic referee advice is to always take charge of the ball and ensure that it is placed correctly.“
West Brom battle for Championship play-offs continues
Mowbray’s men had to work really hard for that point.
While Burnley did have their chances, they only scored due to a goalkeeping error and the Baggies also could have won the game in the second half when Mikey Johnston saw a goal-bound shot deflected onto the crossbar.
Albion are now fifth in the table, two points clear of Bristol City in seventh.
Up next for the boys in blue and white stripes is a home clash against 19th-placed Hull City, a perfect chance to build up a head of steam and see out the season in emphatic fashion.