EFL appoint referee for West Brom’s clash v Wrexham who once left Carlos Corberan furious
John Busby has been appointed as referee for West Brom’s clash with Wrexham in the Championship on Saturday.
Ryan Mason’s team will travel to the Racecourse Ground on 16 August to face the Red Dragons.
The Baggies were beaten on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Derby County at The Hawthorns in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, 12 August.
Therefore, the West Midlands outfit will hope to get back to winning ways against Wrexham. However, Busby could potentially become the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.
West Brom were denied a penalty by Busby v Blackburn Rovers
Carlos Coberan wasn’t pleased with Busby as West Brom played out a goalless draw against Blackburn Rovers in October 2024.
The Championship tie at Ewood Park was marred by controversy as the former Baggies manager felt his team were denied a clear penalty after Todd Cantwell’s foul on Darnell Furlong.
Midway through the second half, when Albion’s right-back got in behind the Rovers’ midfielder, he was seemingly fouled, leaving Corberan frustrated as the referee had a different opinion.
Speaking post-match after the draw, as relayed by Football Mad, the now-Valencia head coach said: “I think the action of the penalty, live, Furlong received a foul. A foul in the box, it’s a penalty.
“Because he was in the position, and the defender [Cantwell] makes a foul to avoid the finishing of Furlong. In these actions, the referee didn’t understand enough to issue a penalty. It has not been a penalty because the referee didn’t whistle. But live, it was an obvious one.”
- Read More: West Brom v Wrexham preview
What changes should Mason make for Wrexham tie?
Tom Fellows seems to be distracted at West Brom, with the youngster being linked with a move away this summer.
Therefore, the 22-year-old should be dropped to the bench in favour of Josh Maja, with Mason rejigging the front line to find balance.
Aune Heggebo has been impressive at The Hawthorns and can play on the right wing to make way for the Nigerian striker’s inclusion in the starting lineup.
- Wrexham have won three consecutive promotions.
- The Red Dragons are owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
- Phil Parkinson has been the Welsh outfit’s manager since 2021.
Mason should also count on Mikey Johnston more going forward after he emerged as one of the few threats for West Brom against Derby.
George Campbell may now be thrust into action more as Torbjorn Heggem looks to be on his way to Bologna, who have reached an agreement with the Baggies over a transfer.
Southampton needed two late goals to beat Wrexham. Therefore, the Baggies can’t take them lightly.
The travelling fans will hope Busby has a good game, and the officiating is on point for both teams.
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