Isaac Price at centre of ‘ludicrous and crazy’ decision in West Brom win vs Hull City
West Brom had little to complain about in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Hull City, but there was one moment that left pundit Andy Johnson up in arms.
The Baggies needed to get back to winning ways at The Hawthorns, and they did exactly that thanks to Josh Maja, Aune Heggebo and Isaac Price.
Both strikers got their names on the scoresheet either side of half-time, with the Norway international making sure of three points in the Black Country.
Things were made easier by Charlie Hughes’ red card, in a decision that certainly didn’t go down well with the away side.
That isn’t to say that James Morrison had it all his own way, as Price was left in the midst of a massively frustrating situation.
Andy Johnson fumes at Joshua Smith decision vs Hull City
The red card call was certainly controversial and has been viewed in a negative light from the wider footballing world.
Referee Joshua Smith didn’t paint himself in a great light on the day, with multiple decisions raising eyebrows inside The Hawthorns and beyond.
Maja wanted a penalty, but a decision not to play advantage earlier in the second half was arguably more baffling.
Ousmane Diakite went down on the edge of the box under challenge from Matt Crooks, but the ball fell kindly for Price.
The Northern Ireland international was approaching the six-yard box, but the referee failed to play advantage and awarded a yellow card to the Hull man.
Former Baggies man Johnson couldn’t believe his eyes and laid into Smith live on BBC Radio WM.
He said: “Ludicrous decision. Crazy. He can always go back and book the lad, you’ve got to let it play out.
“The advantage was to let the game play, we’re running into the box with Isaac Price on the ball. Crazy. Terrible decision.”
Isaac Price much-improved for West Brom
The attacking midfielder came under pressure last weekend after hardly reacting to George Campbell’s wonder strike at Bramall Lane.
He certainly looked to be up for the right this time around as he played a key role in getting Albion across the line.
Price got a well-deserved goal at The Hawthorns after putting in a superb shift to make sure his side secured a massive three points.
If he can hit the same heights moving forward, safety is entirely possible, especially if everyone can hit those levels in the Black Country.
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