Baggies Fume At Referee As Addicks Rally

Bosses call for Championship to bring in VAR

- John Wragg

Managers Slaven Bilic and Lee Bowyer were united in demanding VAR be introduced to the Championship after rookie ref Matt Donohue’s blunders.

Bilic, who was booked, called it a horror show, even though his West Brom team kept their two-point lead at the top.

Donohue, who is in his first season in the Championship, sent off the wrong West Bromwich Albion player and gave Charlton a shocking penalty equalizer four minutes into added time.

“Why do we need VAR? Because it’s difficult for the referees,” said Bilic.

“I’m the first to say what a tough job they have to do.”

Bowyer echoed that. “VAR should be in the Championship because the rewards to get out of this division are massive.

“I thought the referee did OK, he got the sending off right eventually – which was the most important thing.

“It’s the worst and hardest job in the world.”

Nathan Ferguson should have been red-carded for a flying tackle on Chris Solly in the 64th minute.

But, instead, Donohue ordered Grady Diangana off.

Bilic was furious about the penalty, too.

“I feel sorry for the referee,” said Bilic.