Joe Wildsmith called a ‘lunatic’ as ‘comical’ footage emerges from West Brom win vs QPR
Joe Wildsmith is coming in for yet more criticism at West Brom after new footage emerged from his performance in the win over QPR.
Ryan Mason dropped Josh Griffiths and replaced him with the 30-year-old shot stopper earlier this month, but he has been far from assured in his six appearances since then.
Wildsmith has cost West Brom on more than one occasion this month, leading to some fans calling for Griffiths to return to the starting lineup.
The former Sheffield Wednesday man was solid enough between the sticks as the Baggies beat QPR 2-1 on Monday evening, but supporters have been left confused by one thing he did during the game.
Joe Wildsmith caught in ‘comical’ West Brom moment
George Campbell gave West Brom the lead against QPR at The Hawthorns, heading home from a Callum Styles corner in the 24th minute.
However, the visitors were swiftly back level, Ousmane Diakite diverting the ball past Wildsmith and into his own net.
Luckily, Diakite’s mishap had little effect on the final outcome, with Nat Phillips scoring the winner for West Brom 10 minutes after the break.
Despite the victory, Baggies fans were left baffled by Wildsmith’s actions immediately after conceding the equaliser.
The West Brom keeper was rooted to the spot as the goal went in, before comically flinging himself to his left, long after the ball had crossed the line.
One supporter posted a video of the moment, saying: “Joe Wildsmith is the definition of: if you don’t laugh you’ll cry.”
West Brom fans pile in on Joe Wildsmith
Baggies fans were left baffled by Wildsmith’s ill-timed dive, and it has done little to improve the Englishman’s reputation among The Hawthorns faithful.
One supporter said: “Sorry but this is so comical I am actually chuckling; it’s like something from a slapstick”
Other fans were unable to see the funny side, more concerned about why Wildsmith was diving so long after the ball had gone past him, labelling him a “luncatic”.
Another Baggies supporter commented that Griffiths should not accept being second choice to Wildsmith, and should leave the club if Mason refuses to play him.
Some supporters were slightly more sympathetic, rightly noting that Wildsmith was not at fault for the original goal.
However, it’s clear that the vast majority of the West Brom fanbase are against Wildsmith and feel that Griffiths is the better choice between the sticks.
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