‘Quite ridiculous’ – Millwall boss fumes over lack of penalty award in draw at West Bromwich Albion

Gary Rowett has described the decision not to award Millwall a spot-kick in their stalemate at West Bromwich Albion as “quite ridiculous”.

The Lions appealed for a penalty in the first half with big centre-back Jake Cooper claiming he was being grappled as he tried to get on the end of a corner delivery.

And Rowett was adamant referee Jeremy Simpson should have pointed to the spot.

He said: “I think there were only three players pulling him to the floor, so clearly that is not enough to get a penalty.

“We’ve had this conversation all season. I find it quite ridiculous how you can just get dragged to the floor and both players are at it, or there isn’t quite enough contact. There is enough contact. It is a penalty. But sometimes, as a ref, you’ve got to be brave enough to give it.

“I know it’s not easy and there is lots going on. If I get it that way then I might have to run the risk that I get it the other way if we’re holding. I understand it but particularly with Coops you find people stand on him, they don’t look at the ball, they are facing him and holding him. If you keep letting it happen then people get away with it. I don’t think it is right.”