DOUBLE TROUBLE
Albion launch racism probe a week after Cup chaos
A WEEK after one of the worst days in their modern history, West Bromwich Albion were left to handle an alleged racial slur after their win over Birmingham yesterday.
Last Sunday, Albion’s FA Cup defeat by local rivals Wolves here was suspended for 39 minutes amid disgraceful scenes of fan violence.
Towards the end of this clash, Blues midfielder Juninho Bacuna reported to officials that he had heard racial abuse from the Halfords Lane Stand.
Blues boss Tony Mowbray confirmed Bacuna believed he had heard a racially-charged remark and said: ‘I was there when he made the referee aware of some abuse. He wasn’t very happy and it’s sad as it’s not the first time it’s happened to him.
‘As we know it happened to Kasey Palmer of Coventry at Sheffield Wednesday recently. The consequences need to be strong so people think twice about racially abusing others at a match.
‘There has to be a deterrent for those who have it in their mind to shout racial abuse. They might never watch football in this ground again if they do. What drives people to make those comments?
‘Bacca told me what was said. I don’t think it is pertinent to share it but it’s not very nice.’
Last October Bacuna was racially abused by a home fan as Blues beat Huddersfield at St Andrew’s and chairman Tom Wagner promised a lifetime ban for the individual.
Albion boss Carlos Corberan said: ‘There was an incident. I don’t know the details. I know my club and my players are always against these types of situations.
‘This club is very proactive in trying to create the fairest situations for everyone. If there is anything connected with racism… my players take the knee and we will always try to promote tolerant situations.’
West Brom said they would give their full support to West Midlands Police, who are investigating the incident.
This match had none of the violent incidents that ruined the Wolves game but matchwinner
Andi Weimann should be ashamed of his ridiculous behaviour shortly after the final whistle.
Weimann had six years at Blues’ bitter rivals Aston Villa and walked towards the travelling supporters, applauding them before making a ‘1-0’ sign with his hands.
On a normal weekend, it would have been a daft thing to do. But given what had taken place here a week ago and the tension in the air, it was spectacularly irresponsible.
Birmingham players ran towards Weimann and some of his own team-mates helped to defuse the situation. Corberan said that he had not seen the incident and Mowbray was measured in his response.
The former Albion boss said: ‘It’s a derby game, it’s emotional, he’s an attacking player who’s come to a new club and wants to get off to a good start.
‘It’s maybe not the wisest thing on the back of the derby last week, but it’s an emotional game and he wouldn’t be the first striker who’s scored the winner to goad the opposition supporters. We shouldn’t be too harsh on him.’
Blues supporters had one half of the Smethwick End that had housed 4,000 from Wolves last weekend.
Only a banner divided them from the Albion supporters in that part of the ground but certainly in the first half, there was little to worry about bar the usual provocative chanting.
After a dull opening 45 minutes. Alex Mowatt should have given Albion the lead but he somehow managed to head wide from six yards.
Birmingham came much closer with 20 minutes remaining as Kevin Long turned Andre Dozzell’s corner towards the far post, only to see the ball kiss the inside of the upright and bounce into the hands of Alex Palmer.
That was painful for Blues — but nothing compared with what followed. With five minutes of the match remaining, Darnell Furlong drilled low across the box and there was substitute Weimann to meet it with a smart near-post volley.