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Ex-FIFA official: Brandon Thomas-Asante faces retrospective ban as 'dangerous' West Brom footage emerges
Keith Hackett has insisted West Brom striker Brandon Thomas-Asante will face retrospective action for his “dangerous” elbow on Chesterfield defender Jeff King.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed the 24-year-old “deliberately” used his elbow as a “weapon” during the 3-3 FA Cup draw on Saturday (7 January).
As seen in footage from the Match of the Day Twitter account (7 January) Thomas-Asante appeared to swing an elbow at Chesterfield defender Jeff King – leaving the full-back in need of treatment.
Match officials missed the incident and the Baggies striker scored a crucial equaliser just moments later to take the tie to a replay at The Hawthorns.
VAR was not in operation at Chesterfield’s Technique Stadium as only Premier League grounds could make use of the technology.
Thomas-Asante’s brace on Saturday takes him to 12 strikes in 26 appearances this season.
When asked if the forward could face retrospective action, Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Oh yeah.
“You cannot allow this type of offence if you are the footballing authorities.
“The elbow is a dangerous tool for a player to use, and he’s used it as a weapon. From what I saw, it was a deliberate action.
“If the FA don’t charge him, and no action is taken – then that is a dereliction of duty.
“I know there is a reluctance from the FA to referee the game, but on this occasion they have to. There was no chance of the referee seeing it.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire issues “significant” West Brom takeover claim as paperwork submitted.