'Ajayi Knew He Was Beaten' Ex-EPL Referee Says West Brom Defender Was Right To Be Sent Off

Published: February 22, 2021

Former English Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has revealed that West Brom center back Semi Ajayi was right to be the sent off in the goalless draw against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The Nigeria international was dismissed for the denial of a possible goalscoring opportunity on the half-hour mark after a VAR check, leaving the Baggies to play out two-thirds of the game with ten men.

Mike Dean went across to the monitor and it was clear he had no other decision but to send off the West Brom central defender as the Super Eagle was deemed the last man and deemed to be an intentional touch.

Analyzing the key refereeing decisions from this weekend's matches, Gallagher said on Sky Sport's Ref Watch : " I think Ajayi knew he was beaten; once the ball goes past him, Vydra's away. He flicks his hand out, takes a chance.

"Mike Dean's view was completely blocked by Vydra and Michael Oliver, the VAR, checked that in-play.

"As soon as the ball went out for a throw-in, Mike Dean was referred to the screen. He went across, saw the handball and gave the red card correctly."

West Brom will be without Ajayi when they battle Brighton & Hove at the Hawthorns this Saturday.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : wba.co.uk

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