THE Premier League will ask West Ham and West Brom to explain the ‘gentleman’s agreement’ which meant Robert Snodgrass was not allowed to play on Tuesday night.
Snodgrass joined the Baggies last week on an 18-month deal and made his debut in the weekend win over Wolves.
Robert Snodgrass signed for West Brom – on the proviso he skipped the West Ham clashCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Hammers came from behind to take all three points in Tuesday’s gameCredit: AFP
But the midfielder was absent from the side to face his old club at the London Stadium as the Hammers came from behind to beat the Baggies 2-1.
West Brom boss Sam Allardyce let slip that it was down to a private agreement struck when arranging the transfer.
Now he might have landed his own club and the Hammers in hot water, with Premier League rule I.7 potentially flouted.
It states: “No club shall enter into a contract which enables any other party to that contract to acquire the ability materially to influence its policies or performance of its teams in League matches.”
They will ask both clubs to explain just what went on in making the pact, which effectively weakened one side in a match against another.
Asked about it after his side’s 2-1 defeat, Allardyce said: “I’m not going to answer that.
“If the Premier League want to know that they can contact us privately and we’ll tell them.
“It’s up to the Premier League to let us know what and if we’ve done anything wrong and then I’ll answer whatever questions they decide to ask me.
We could only get the deal done with that agreement.
Sam Allardyce
“It’s not my big worry at the moment though, what the Premier League do or don’t think.”
He added: “I’ll have to wait and see before I answer anything that might cause me, West Ham or anybody else any trouble, I’ll wait to see what the Premier League say.
“I’ve got bigger things to worry about that what the Premier League thinks.
“The players played their best today. Whether Robert Snodgrass played or not it wouldn’t have had any hand in the two goals we conceded today.”
Prior kick-off, Allardyce revealed: “That was an agreement between the clubs that this game he would not be allowed to play.
“We could only get the deal done with that agreement.”
David Moyes said: “I don’t think it is any of my business.
Snodgrass made his debut for the Baggies at the weekendCredit: Getty – Pool
“I am not sure it is any of yours, to be honest. The Premier League have to do what they have to do.
“Robert Snodgrass is a very good player, we will miss him a lot. We sent him with our best wishes, we did not take any fee for him because we have so much respect for him and what he has done here.”
The league have investigate similar instances in the past, notably a deal which saw Sheffield United sign Steve Kabba from Watford in 2007.
West Brom came away from the Hammers without a point on Tuesday night.
Jarrod Bowen chested in a thrashed Vladimir Coufal cross to put the hosts ahead at the break.
But Matheus Pereira continued his strong form with a powerful equaliser on 51 minutes.
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West Ham were soon back on top with Michail Antonio scoring his second in as many games.
The Baggies remain five points off safety after the defeat.
Snodgrass will be available for next Tuesday’s game with Manchester City, which comes after a weekend off for West Brom following their exit from the FA Cup.
Robert Snodgrass scores a screamer of a goal in West Ham training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
