‘PGMOL will be in contact’ after West Brom officiating incident vs Birmingham
The PGMOL are expected to take action after West Brom and Birmingham’s draw was delayed at The Hawthorns.
West Brom couldn’t capitalise on their lead and drew 1-1 with Birmingham on Wednesday night, with Isaac Price criticised for wasting a major Baggies chance in the second half.
Alex Mowatt had put the home side ahead with a deflected strike from range after just 12 minutes, but despite chances to put the game to bed the Albion let the visitors back into the game late on.
Marvin Ducksch headed a 78th-minute equaliser to leave West Brom down in 17th place, with Ryan Mason’s position at The Hawthorns still under some scrutiny, but only after a seven-minute delay to start the second half.
Keith Hackett tips inspection after officials delay
Both teams emerged from the break on time but were forced to stand around in the cold attempting to keep themselves warm thanks to an issue with the technology that allows the officials to communicate.
Eventually once the ear pieces and power were dealt with, but former FIFA referee and ex-PGMOL boss Keith Hackett highlighted the potential issues that damp and cold can create for the system and expects the officiating body to take action.
He exclusively told West Brom News: “I am sure that there was a similar problem earlier in the week. The system operates on batteries and for it to work efficiently after use it must be thoroughly dried and then kept away from damp, sweaty worn kit after the game.
“Batteries do not like cold weather so before the kick-off batteries should be checked along with the operation so there are no gremlins.
“Let’s hope that the second in a week is not a huge issue and all the systems are vulnerable to breakdown.
“I have no doubt that the PGMOL will be in contact with the suppliers to arrange for inspection and testing.”
Losing leads a quick way to speed up sack threat for Mason
The heady days of August seem a long way away now with the Baggies sinking towards the foot of the table.
Having ended the first month of the season unbeaten and in the top two it is now three wins in 13 since the start of October.
| Games | 17 |
| Wins | 6 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Conceded | 20 |
Defeat to the odd goal against the league-leaders isn’t exactly a capital offence but West Brom giving away a two-goal lead to Coventry on Saturday was poor, and ceding another lead to drop two more points against a local rival at home has compounded that.
There were always going to be growing pains for Mason as a 34-year-old in his first full-time job as a manager, and in light of how the overall direction of travel at The Hawthorns has deteriorated since Carlos Corberan left it may not be entirely a Mason issue.
But dropping points from winning positions while traveling towards the drop zone is a good to give owners itchy feet and Bilkul might be compelled to move if things don’t improve soon.
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