West Bromwich Albion coach, Sam Allardyce refused to blame Semi Ajayi for his mistakes in derby defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Ajayi gave away penalty after fouling Jack Grealish in the box and Anwar El Ghazi stepped forward and converted the spot kick for Villa.
After the match, Allardyce was asked if he felt individual error cost West Brom the match, the former Bolton and Crystal Palace boss said yes, but singled out Jake Livermore’s sending off as the moment of madness.
“I’m upset with the red card,” he said. “It was reckless and he will be fined.
“He has apologised but I won’t accept another sending-off no matter what. Someone else has to be captain now because Jake is suspended for three games. It depends who can handle the armband but they can keep it for me.”
Allardyce went on to praise Ajayi and other players after Livermore was sent off, but admitted they must be ready to fight, if West Brom are to stand any chance of beating the drop.
“It’s one win in 14,” he said. “My first battle is to make sure they don’t lose confidence in their own ability. Then I need to guide them to battle their way out of this position, because they can’t play their way out.”
Following the defeat, the Baggies remain rooted in 19th position with just 7 points after 14 matches.
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