West Brom captain is ‘disgusted’ after being hit by coin

“They will be horrified at the sight of one of our longest-serving players, Chris Brunt, being struck beneath an eye by a coin as he attempted to show the team’s appreciation to the travelling fans for their backing during an ultimately disappointing afternoon”.

He said: “Unfortunately it’s the way the game is going”. I’ve spoken to Chelsea about Michael playing that role and they’re happy.

Hopefully the touching gesture will help Brunt to move on from the disgraceful incident.

It is understood that the clubs are unlikely to face sanctions over the actions of a minority of their fans as it is accepted that it is impossible to fully safeguard against individuals throwing missiles.

“I don’t think you can allow that to go by”.

In the wake of Fletcher’s former Baggies teammate Joloen Lescott’s recent abuse from fans of his current club Aston Villa after tweeting a picture of a auto after the 6-0 defeat to Liverpool, Fletcher also accepted that players now have to learn to take violent words from fans on social media. For me that is criminal – and I mean criminal.

Football, he says, has a “serious problem” highlighted by the coin-throwing incidents. It was absolutely top-drawer, and when we got back to 1-1, the fans got us over line again.

The police plan to speak to Brunt as part of their investigations into “a number of incidents” in the aftermath of the game. It was another sloppy goal to concede from West Brom as they allowed the midfielder to ghost in at the far post to head in Norwood’s free kick.

Fans have grown increasingly critical of West Brom’s style of play under Pulis despite spending most of this season outside the Barclays Premier League’s relegation zone, with supporters expressing their frustration at a perceived lack of attacking ambition.

TV pundits also condemned the action and echoed Brunt’s comments. It could’ve put someone’s eye out.

“I think the police have to get involved in this”.

Harry Redknapp added: “It’s cowardly. I hope they catch the culprit and ban him”.

“I was angry with the result but no way would you throw anything”, Green, 54, who was at Reading and is helping to organise the collection, told BBC Sport.

You can count on me waiting for you in the parking lot. That is what competition for places is all about, and I feel we’ve got really competition now.