Ballard admits to a release of energy after an uncomfortable afternoon

Footage has emerged of Sunderland defender Dan Ballard celebrating Pierre Ekwah’s goal against West Brom in the Championship last Saturday.

The former Arsenal man came in for flak from Baggies players and fans after a strong tackle on ex-Cat Josh Maja sidelined the striker for a considerable length of time during the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light earlier this season. Mike Dodds’ side spent most of the first half camped inside their own half, yet were given a helping hand when Albion striker Brandon Thomas-Asante was sent off after receiving two bookings, the second for a foul on Ballard.

Ekwah then opened the scoring just before the halftime whistle, putting the visitors in a commanding position with footage of Ballard celebrating in front of West Brom fans at the Hawthorns emerging online after the clash.

Ballard also celebrated passionately in front of the away end after the match, letting out a big roar with his arms aloft and fists clenched.

“I got a lot of stick in this game so that probably added a bit of energy with the fans at the full-time whistle,” Ballard said. “It was maybe just a release of energy. It was just nice after having all that stick to get through the game with a clean sheet and a win.”

Baggies boss Carlos Corberan was critical of Ballard after the game. "For me, it was unfair that in the first game, they injured Maja," he said.

"It was a terrible action. The player who scored that day injured a player and the referee didn't send him off or give him a yellow card. It was ridiculou. If somebody today breaks their limits with two actions, they're two yellow cards. When you have a yellow card, you must control yourself.

"If something makes an unbelievably dangerous action, and Maja has been out of the game for four months...I don't know if these things are in the subconscious of the players, but I can tell you that we should've managed that situation better.”