West Bromwich Albion right-back Darnell Furlong will serve a three-match suspension after the Football Association rejected the club’s appeal against his red card.
The 29-year-old was sent off in first-half stoppage time during Saturday’s victory over Queens Park Rangers, with Albion lodging an official appeal in an attempt to overturn the decision. However, the FA has upheld the original ruling, meaning Furlong will now miss Albion’s upcoming fixtures against Burnley, Hull City, and Norwich City.
Mowbray Disappointed with FA’s Decision
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray had expressed optimism over the appeal, criticising referee Adam Herczeg’s decision as “really harsh.” However, the governing body’s ruling means the experienced full-back will be unavailable for selection until after the international break.
“We were hopeful, but unfortunately, the decision has gone against us,” Mowbray said. “Darnell has been a key player for us, and his absence will be felt, but we have to move forward and adapt.”
The suspension leaves Albion with limited options at the back, with Mason Holgate expected to deputise in Furlong’s absence. Holgate, on loan from Everton, replaced the dismissed defender at half-time against QPR and helped Albion see out the match with a resilient defensive performance. He is now likely to retain his place in the starting XI for Tuesday night’s clash at Turf Moor.
Defensive Options Stretched
Furlong’s reliability has been one of his standout qualities in recent seasons, with the full-back rarely missing games under previous manager Carlos Corberán. His absence now presents a challenge for Mowbray, who has fewer defensive alternatives to call upon. With Holgate shifting to right-back, cover in central defence also becomes thinner, adding to the selection headache ahead of a critical period in Albion’s season.
Despite the setback, West Brom will look to build on their recent strong performances as they continue their push for a place in the Championship play-offs. The upcoming fixtures against top-half sides Burnley and Norwich will be a significant test of their squad depth.
Writer’s View
Losing Furlong for three games is a blow for Albion, particularly given their already stretched defensive resources. His consistency and experience at right-back will be difficult to replace, and Holgate now faces a crucial run of fixtures in his stead. While the FA’s decision will frustrate West Brom fans, the team must regroup quickly and ensure that the disruption doesn’t derail their momentum at a vital stage of the campaign.
