SCORE TO SETTLE
1 0 A week after Black Country riot, ex-villa star Weimann defends winding up fans: If they give it, I give it back
BY
DEFIANT Andi Weimann has defended his behaviour after scoring his first West Brom goal.
The ex-aston Villa star, 32, nearly incited a Hawthorns riot for the second time in a week at full-time. He went right up to Blues fans, making a ‘1-0’ sign with his hands, before sarcastically clapping them.
But despite it coming after serious crowd trouble against Wolves last week, Weimann claims his actions were acceptable as he had been abused by travelling section.
The onloan Bristol
City striker
(scoring and celebrating, right), who converted from Darnell
Furlong’s
85th-minute cross for fifthplaced
Baggies, said:
“When I came on I heard the away end shout a few things – I won’t say the words – but something to do with being at Villa before.
“I was praying I’d have a chance to score and I had that last laugh. I thought ‘if they give it’ they have to take it.
“I just clapped them off ! “I know about last weekend but football is an emotional game so if they give it to me, I deserve to give it back.
“It was the perfect goal as my daughter was here for her sixth birthday too.
“I need to show I deserve to be here if I want to stay longer. I can only do my talking on the pitch.
“The one thing I haven’t done in my career is to get promoted. So that is a big goal. Another crack at the Premier League would be lovely.”
Weimann’s celebration came after Birmingham midfielder Juninho Bacuna (right) had reported alleged racist abuse.
Both Albion and West Midlands Police are investigating with the club promising a lifetime ban for anyone found guilty of a crime.
Birmingham’s onloan QPR midfielder Andre Dozzell said: “I don’t know what was said but know along the lines that it was a racist remark.
“Everyone has come together and shown support for
Baco. But there is no room for that in the game so hopefully it will be dealt with.
“I don’t think the punishments are harsh enough, they should be bigger. For it to keep happening in this day and age is a disgrace really.
“It should be more than a lifetime ban from watching football but I’m not in charge of that.
“It wasn’t nice and this is not the first time. But we’re a tight group and everyone is supporting him. It’s not easy for us.”
Birmingham are now just four points above the drop zone but Dozzell added: “We need to keep believing in ourselves and can’t look behind.”