Carlos Corberan said he “wants the things that happen on the pitch to be fair” after West Brom were awarded a controversial goal in their 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
Jayson Molumby’s shot deflected off Brandon Thomas-Asante’s arm for Albion’s 52nd-minute opener at Elland Road on Friday [18 August], with the latter credited with the goal.
Leeds hit back through captain Luke Ayling, but the fact the visitors’ goal was allowed to stand was the main talking point after the game.
Asked about his thoughts on the incident, former Leeds coach Corberan is quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post [18 August] as saying: “I hope the goal we scored was fair, because I want the things that happen on the pitch to be fair.
“I don’t want that we get an advantage or the opponent. I understand how hard it is for referees and that is why VAR helps them to make decisions.
“In the Championship we have to understand the referees are going to have some mistakes – they are human, it’s going to happen.”
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
Officials do indeed make mistakes in the Championship, but that should not be the case.
There is no VAR in operation in the English Football League, so referee Matt Donohue’s decision was final.
The man in the middle did not spot that Molumby’s shot, which in fairness did take another deflection before going in off Thomas-Asante, had hit the arm of the latter.
It was made all the more difficult for Leeds to accept as they were the side on top and would have been ahead if not for Albion goalkeeper Alex Palmer.
It was a slice of luck Corberan will take, with the draw taking his side to four points from their first three matches – a loss, a win and a draw.
They came away from Elland Road with a positive result despite not playing at their best, which can only be a good thing for the Baggies in the long run.
However, they cannot rely on poor refereeing decisions when they return to action against Middlesbrough next Saturday [26 August].
Kevin Campbell, a former West Brom striker, has joined us as an exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll share his thoughts on the hot topics at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Campbell feels West Brom would negotiate a reasonable sum if Newcastle come calling for goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.
On Sunday (18 June), Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon account that the Magpies were preparing a bid for the 21-year-old Englishman.
Former Baggies technical director Dan Ashworth, who is currently at St James’ Park, is a great fan and wants to lure him to the Champions League team.
.
In an exclusive interview with West Brom News, Sky Sports commentator Campbell stated, “If Newcastle want the player and the player is willing to go, then I’m sure the club will negotiate a good fee.”
“Newcastle are quite mobile.” They are not just acquiring first-team players, but also young players who will grow behind the scenes.
Now is the time to subscribe to Football Insider TV.
“I think for the player, if he’s not going to be playing regularly in the first team, I think it’s a transfer that he’s really got to look at.”
If the Baggies are to free up funds and enhance their first team this season, they may need to sell players.
Griffiths was drafted into the first team last season due to an injury to Alex Palmer, and he could show supporters glimpses of how excellent he truly is.
Palmer returned to the starting XI for the club’s opening game of the 2023/24 season against Blackburn on 5 August, although Griffiths did not make the matchday squad.
