Ref controversy as West Brom awarded penalty after ball hits player outside box

10 April 2024 , 21:53

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Rotherham saw a penalty given against them despite Lee Peltier heading the ball clear (Image: EFL)

West Brom were issued a penalty despite Rotherham's Lee Peltier making contact with the ball outside his own box, leaving players stunned.

The Baggies maintained their promotion push, seeing off basement club Rotherham at the Hawthorns. The hosts were already leading 1-0 thanks to Brandon Thomas-Asante before Jon Swift was handed the chance to double their lead from the spot.

However the decision to award a penalty was perhaps one of the more shocking decisions of the season thus far. Thomas-Asante fired a shot from long range which then hit Peltier on the face. His arms were up, but he was also standing on the D of the penalty area.

West Brom's players appealed and referee Geoff Eltringham obliged as he pointed to the spot. The opposition were left stunned and remonstrated with the official as assistant head coach Rob Kelly was booked for his protests. It allowed the Baggies to make it 2-0 just before the interval.

Former Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore said on the BBC: "It's unbelievable. I've never seen anything like that in my life. How on earth has he given a penalty there?" He also added: "The second goal changed the game. The referee has cost us there whilst it's 1-0 you're always in the game."

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Defeat was redundant for Rotherham, who already know they'll be spending next season in League One. The Millers continue to yo-yo between the second and third tier and will be eyeing promotion next term. West Brom meanwhile know they look good for a play-off spot.

They sit fifth and have a hefty buffer over the chasing pack below. Carlos Corberán is in the midst of his first full season with the Baggies and could get another chance at winning promotion to the Premier League, having just missed out with Huddersfield several seasons ago.

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Samuel Meade