Donaldson: Bees keeper took me out... it was a stonewall penalty!
CLAYTON Donaldson has vehemently denied accusations he dived to win a penalty in Birmingham City’s 2-1 win over Brentford.
The Jamaica international also said he was ‘disappointed’ by a section of home fans’ booing him after he converted a 14th-minute spotkick that gave Blues a fortunate victory last Saturday.
Donaldson, who joined Blues from the Bees in 2014, insisted he was brought down by goalkeeper Daniel Bentley as he latched on to Maikel Kieftenbeld’s through-ball.
He later tweeted a picture of his foot showing where Bentley caught him – and followed that up with another tweet in which he expressed his ‘love’ for the Bees.
But speaking after the game he was in no doubt about what happened.
“My conscience is clear, what the ‘keeper did is clear to see – he took me out,” Donaldson said.
“It was 100 per cent a penalty, it was more of a case of ‘Would I be able to get up and take it’ because my ankle was twisted as well and he has caught me with his studs as well. It was a little bit sore.
“If you try and keep calm, especially coming back to your old club, and the fans are getting on your back a little bit thinking that I have dived and stuff, it can be a bit hostile, so you have to try and keep calm for the penalty.”
Donaldson was jeered persistently by many home fans for the remainder of the game.
“I am a little bit disappointed, I am not too surprised but at the same time I had three good years there and I thought I would have got a little bit better reception,’’ he added.
“Fans tend to move on, the club moves on and forget little things, whatever situation has gone on in the past. But I always want to show a bit of respect. Even when I scored I didn’t celebrate because Brentford is a big club in my eyes and close to my heart.
“It was a little disappointing but you are going to get that in some games – home and away. But the majority of the fans have been good, I have seen a few since I have been down here.”
Blues winger David Cotterill sent a cheeky message to Brentford fans who he claimed threw coins at him. The Wales international took to Twitter to thank those who, he said, had contributed towards a postmatch pint.
Cotterill tweeted his congratulations to Blues rookie Josh DacresCogley on his Championship debut and followed it up with: “Also thanks to the Brentford fans who paid for my first beer tonight throwing coins at me!!! Cheers...”
Cotterill played just over an hour at Griffin Park and his final act was to send over the free-kick which led to Ryan Shotton’s goal.
He played the first half-hour on the left, before switching to his customary position until Reece Brown replaced him.
Blues are not thought to be taking the issue any further.