And Baggies boss explains reasoning behind letter to Premier League and PGMOL
STEVE Clarke has revealed Albion have received an apology from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Mike Riley for the controversial penalty awarded against them at Chelsea.
Referee Andre Marriner pointed to the spot after an innocuous collision between Steven Reid and Ramires, allowing Eden Hazard to snatch victory away from the Baggies deep into stoppage time.
That decision came just three weeks after match official Howard Webb apologised for not giving the Baggies a penalty after Charlie Adam fouled Youssouf Mulumbu in the goalless draw at Stoke.
Clarke said: “We’ve had a phone call from Mike Riley to apologise.
“It doesn’t get us any more points but it’s nice of Mike to phone.
“If he’s apologising, he obviously feels it was the wrong decision.
“We have to put it behind us now and move forward.”
Clarke also confirmed media reports that the club have sent a letter to the Premier League and the PGMOL highlighting four penalty decisions that have gone against them in their opening 11 games.
The letter also raised the wider issue of whether referees need to be offered more help in reaching correct decisions.
“The purpose of the letter is to try and provoke discussion,” added Clarke.
“It’s not necessarily a discussion between us and the authorities, but a discussion between everyone and the authorities to see if there is a way we can improve the game.
“That’s my understanding of the basis of the letter – it’s no more than that.
“If there is technology that can be used to help referees make difficult decisions, which is what they have to do, then let’s look at it and see what we can come up with.
“If we can improve it, good, if we can’t improve it then we’ll stick with what we’ve got.
“But let’s talk about it.”