Ajayi receives first red card as wasteful West Brom hold Burnley

SUPER Eagles defender Semi Ajayi was given his marching orders in Saturday’s 0-0 Premier League draw between his club West Brom and Burnley at Turf Moor.

The towering Nigerian centre-back was red carded in the 30th minute by referee Mike Dean with the aid of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Ajayi was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball and denied Matej Vydra a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

It was Ajayi’s first ever red card in 186 appearances in both the English Football League and the Premier League.

The red card was however West Brom’s fourth this season in the Premier League, with only Arsenal to have received more (five).

Despite their numerical disadvantage, it was West Brom who created the best chances against their hosts.

Striker Mbaye Diagne crashed his shot against the post from five yards out with about 15 minutes left to play.

Moments later, Matheus Pereira’s shot was initially stopped by Burnley keeper Nick Pope, then James Tarkowski headed the ball off the line, denying West Brom again.

Ajayi will be suspended for West Brom and will be a big miss for the Baggies after starting and completing 24 of their 25 Premier League matches this season.

West Brom remain second from bottom in the table with 14 points from 25 matches, 11 points from safety.

Burnley are 15th with 28 points from 25 matches.