Referee accused of being afraid after Jayson Molumby incident in West Brom loss vs Wolves

Jayson Molumby was at the centre of a controversiel moment in West Brom's 1-0 loss to Wolves.

The Black Country derby was decided by a second-half Fer Lopez strike, after Nat Phillips' error.

Molumby is no stranger to incidents in matches, and he was on the radar of referee Josh Smith at Molineux.

The Irishman was booked as Albion lost at their rivals ground for the first time in 15 years.

The incident that earned him that caution in the contest has proven to be contentious.

It has seen Smith, who has taken charge of 135 Championship matches, be accused of being afraid.

What has proven controversial about Jayson Molumby incident?

Molumby fouled Mateus Mane as he was pushing to enter the Baggies' half on a counter attack.

The referee blew up and gave a foul immediately, rather than letting the hosts continue the attack.

Keith Hackett believes that he made the wrong call and should have played advantage.

Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, the ex-PGMOL chief said: "The referee really should have played an advantage for sure.

"He almost certainly stopped play, afraid that there was a risk of retaliation on the player who had committed the foul."

Baggies fans will have been glad that Smith did not, as Cesar Peixoto's side had an overload when it was stopped.

Why West Brom can take encouragement despite Wolves defeat

Obviously, the result is very disappointing for the Throstles, especially given the intensity of the rivalry.

However, James Morrison and Co. can take plenty of encouragement despite not coming away with any points.

It leaves the B71 outfit in fifth position after eight matches played, which would be enough to seal a playoff place at the end of the season.

The fact that Wolves side who have just come down from the Premier League and did not lose many key players only managed one goal will be something that they can take away from the game.

It could have been worse had the advantage been played when Molumby was booked, but it was not, and the scoreline remained as just one goal between the sides.

Hopefully, when the sides meet again at The Hawthorns in February, Morrison's side can turn the tables.