Ex-FIFA official accuses West Brom star of ‘clear malice’ vs Ipswich, ‘he should’ve been sent off’
West Brom were embroiled in controversy in Saturday’s defeat to Ipswich Town.
Ipswich were 1-0 victors over West Brom at Portman Road with Jack Clarke scoring an 83rd-minute winner to consign the Baggies to a fifth Championship defeat of the season.
Prior to that setback, West Brom had lost just one of their previous seven games with relegated Premier League sides, but the defeat means they are down in 11th in the Championship standings – albeit only two points off the play-off spots.
Ryan Mason hinted at new West Brom signings following the defeat but there are still a couple of months to navigate before the window re-opens.
Mason feels a lack of depth is impeding West Brom at the moment but former FIFA official Keith Hackett thinks that issue should have worsened in Saturday’s defeat.
Ousmane Diakite embroiled in controversy in West Brom defeat vs Ipswich Town
Ousmane Diakite was at the centre of the contention as West Brom slipped to the disappointing late defeat in Suffolk.
The Baggies midfielder caught Ipswich striker Chuba Akpom flush on the ankle with a studs-up challenge when lunging to try and win the ball.
Lee Hendrie described Diakite’s challenge on Akpom as “really horrible”, with referee Josh Smith not even blowing for a foul.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Hackett is of the opinion that Diakite should have received his marching orders for the tackle.
He said: “There is clear malice in that challenge, Diakite is going for his opponent not the ball.
“Whilst I appreciate that referee Smith would not have the ideal viewing, replays clearly show that this player should have received a red card.”
What did Kieran McKenna say about Ousmane Diakite flash point in West Brom loss vs Ipswich?
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna was asked about the injury status of Akpom after the game.
Akpom himself had earlier come on as a substitute for Sammie Szmodics before being withdrawn on the hour.
- Diakite won two tackles, two interceptions, and completed 10 recoveries against Ipswich.
- He also won all five of his ground duels and his one aerial duel against the Tractor Boys.
- Diakite completed the game with 82 per cent pass completion rate.
McKenna revealed he was unsure about the extent of the injury and that he did not get a good viewing of Diakite’s challenge during the game.
In quotes reported by the East Anglian Daily Times, McKenna said: “Chuba was a really heavy knock. I haven’t seen the tackle up close, a couple of people have asked me about it, but his ankle/shin is in a wee bit of a mess.
“Hopefully it’s just an impact and won’t take too long.”
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