Southampton full-back James Bree drew a huge reaction on social media after his team’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.
With the scores level in B71 after Samuel Edozie levelled early in the second period following Isaac Price’s first-half strike, it is unclear whether the Saints defender successfully tricked referee Josh Smith, who halted the game due to a head injury.
Both West Brom and Southampton have started the Championship season in good fashion, with Tonda Eckert’s team remaining among the division’s early pacesetters despite being docked four points due to the Spygate controversy.
Those who are a part of the South Coast club have been playing the role of pantomime villains this season, and that was certainly the case at The Hawthorns for those supporting the hosts, who are now unbeaten in six consecutive games.
James Morrison reacts to controversial James Bree flashpoint in West Brom vs Southampton
In what was a gripping match, Albion were more than deserving of their half-time lead, with Saints’ onslaught leaving Max O’Leary unconcerned, before Edozie’s 53rd-minute equaliser gave Eckert’s team new life.
West Brom still looked like they may capture all three points, and after a spell of attacking promise, Bree was spotted on the ground motionless, allowing Smith to pause the game, though the Southampton physios were quickly waived away by the full-back.
When asked about the incident after the game, Morrison claimed, “I believe he tried to stop the game due to pressure from us.”Credit to the referee for noticing it.”
When asked if Bree should have received harsher punishment, the Baggies manager replied, “We’ve asked for consistency, so let’s hope it comes.”
West Bromwich Albion fans are outraged at James Bree’s actions.
Baggies fans want Bree to face a similar punishment.Faking head injuries is becoming far too widespread, necessitating greater action from officials. If staying down and holding your head led in an automatic three minutes off the play to be checked up by medics, I expect we’ll see a lot less of that,” said one Albion fan.
Another Baggies fan wrote: “Disgraceful behaviour, so evident what he was doing before the ref sounded his whistle, then waved his hands to suggest he didn’t need any medical assistance so he didn’t go off. However, in my opinion, the ref was extremely awful all night. Standard EFL reference.”
The attitude was clearly unacceptable and should have resulted in a booking. The EFL must take urgent action to protect football’s credibility.Another comment stated, “It shouldn’t be done, but it literally happens in every professional football game.”
West Brom’s attitude on James Bree is no surprise given the Aune Heggebo incident.
There is no evidence that the Baggies would have regained their advantage, but given the penalty Heggebo suffered two months ago, the stance of those linked with the West Midlands club is not surprising.
Bree’s decision to go down isn’t the only incident that has been heavily criticised in recent days, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher slamming Alexis MacAllister’s decision to ‘feign’ injury after the Argentine midfielder collided with Arsenal’s Noni Madueke in the Gunners’ 1-0 win at Anfield.
Keith Hackett, a former referee, has also urged the Football Association to take retrospective action on Bree’s behaviour, claiming that Smith should have issued a yellow card to the defender for “unsporting behaviour.”
At the moment, it is unclear what action, if any, will be taken.
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