Molumby faces extended West Brom ban after bizarre official statement – Exclusive
Jayson Molumby may now face an extended ban after a statement put out by West Brom, according to Keith Hackett.
Republic of Ireland international Molumby was issued a straight red card for his challenge on Joe Williams during West Brom’s late 2-1 loss to Bristol City on Tuesday (8 April).
Despite many accepting the referee had little choice but to dismiss West Brom midfielder Molumby for his needless challenge, Albion have bizarrely decided to appeal the decision.
In a statement on the club’s official website on Thursday (10 April), West Brom confirmed an appeal has been lodged on the grounds of wrongful dismissal.
West Brom’s Molumby appeal could backfire
As things stand, Molumby is set to miss West Brom’s next three games as is customary when being issued a straight red.
However, that could yet extend to four games or more as West Brom have already had an appeal rejected against Darnell Furlong’s red card in recent weeks.
If they are seen to be wasting the Football Association’s time, this latest appeal could backfire badly.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, former FIFA referee Hackett said: “If, as I expect, the appeal is denied, there is a risk of the sanction been increased by an added game.
“Frankly, I wonder what grounds they have based their appeal? Molumby comes into the challenge at pace and with a raised foot that clearly endangers the safety of his opponent.
“The appeal goes to an independent review panel and, on the odd occasion, they come up with a decision that shocks the refereeing side of the game.
“It can be a bit of a lottery and perhaps WBA believe it’s a chance worth taking. However, that same panel may deem the appeal frivolous and that then gives them the power to increase the suspension.
“The referee made the right call with this decision.”
West Brom games Molumby may miss
Molumby has featured in 36 of West Brom’s 41 Championship matches this season, starting 30 of those.
It is fair to say the midfielder has been an important presence in the side, then, and losing him for three games – let alone more – is a blow for Tony Mowbray.
| Fixture | Date | Location |
| Watford | 12 April | The Hawthorns |
| Coventry City | 18 April | CBS Arena |
| Derby County | 21 April | The Hawthorns |
| Cardiff City | 26 April | Cardiff City Stadium |
| Luton Town | 3 May | The Hawthorns |
The Baggies are next in action against Watford on Saturday (12 April), before then travelling to fellow play-off chasers Coventry City.
That is followed by the visit of Derby County to The Hawthorns, before the regular season concludes away at Cardiff City and home to Luton Town.
Mowbray will have his fingers crossed Molumby misses just three of those games at most – and none on the off-chance the appeal is successful.