Suspended Pereira will miss match
WEST Bromwich Albion will be without architect-in-chief Matheus Pereira for Saturday’s trip to St James’ Park through suspension.
The Brazilian, who played a massive role in helping the Baggies secure promotion back to the Premier League last season - scoring eight goals as well as registering a very, very impressive 20 assists - was shown a straight red card during West Brom’s 5-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace ysterday.
Just four minutes after Slaven Bilic’s side had drawn level thanks to Conor Gallagher’s second goal in as many Premier League games - cancelling out Darnell Furlong’s early own goal which had given Palace the lead - Pereira was sent-off for kicking out at Dutchman Patrick van Aanholt.
Pereira had gone down after tangling with the former Sunderland defender and retaliated by kicking out at the left-back.
Initially, on-field referee Paul Tierney did not spot the incident but VAR did, meaning they took a close look at the incident.
In the end, VAR official Michael Oliver advised Tierney to go over to the pitchside monitor and take a look at the incident himself.
Tierney walked back on to the pitch and brandished Pereira with a red card, much to the Brazilian attacking midfielder’s disbelief.
His actions mean Bilic will be without his most important player for the next three matches, starting with next weekend’s clash with Newcastle.
He will also miss a trip to Manchester City and the home tussle with Aston Villa.
While Pereira’s absence for the trip to Tyneside will be a huge blow for Baggies’ chief Bilic, it will act as a massive boost for Steve Bruce and his players.
As West Brom have struggled for goals this season, Pereira has been one of their most creative influxes, scoring one goal and claiming two assists.
His creativity in the attacking areas will be massively missed by Albion.