‘EFL to fine Sunderland’ over controversial incident v West Brom – Exclusive
Sunderland beat West Brom at The Hawthorns on Saturday to keep their promotion hopes firmly on track and dent their opponents’ in the process.
Trai Hume scored the only goal of the game after 35 minutes as he took full advantage of a Joe Wildsmith error in the West Brom goal.
Tony Mowbray raised eyebrows with a decision taken ahead of the game and he saw his Albion side fall to a second successive defeat.
But the fallout from the match on 5 April could continue for a while longer yet, as Sunderland now face a possible fine from the EFL after their antics in the West Midlands.
West Brom players unhappy with Sunderland
West Brom’s players were stood on the pitch for what felt like an eternity before their Sunderland counterparts made their way down the tunnel, with Alex Mowatt among those to question the delay.
Sunderland’s players did eventually make their way onto the field and the second half kicked off later than expected.
As a result of their poor timekeeping, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes the Black Cats could be in trouble.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Hackett said: “Sunderland coming out late could be an act of gamesmanship.
“The referee will include this in his post match report and the EFL are more than likely to issue a fine.”
West Brom fading in Championship playoff battle
Not only have Albion lost back-to-back games, they have taken just two points from the past 12 on offer, coming in draws with Burnley and Hull City last month.
| West Brom | Sunderland | |
| Shots | 21 | 7 |
| Shots on target | 3 | 3 |
| Possession | 63% | 37% |
| Passes | 432 | 258 |
That has seen the Baggies lose ground in the battle to finish in the top six, so much so that they now require favours from elsewhere if they are to finish above the dotted line.
Mowbray will know this poor run cannot continue any longer, with a truly massive clash against Bristol City next up at Ashton Gate on Tuesday (8 April).
Lose that one, and supporters could rightly be forgiven for thinking Albion have blown their hopes of a return to the Premier League for another season.