Pulis warns ‘stupid’ winger to McClean up his act

Mark Holmes
Tony Pulis: West Brom boss warns James McClean about his discipline

Tony Pulis: West Brom boss warns James McClean about his discipline

West Brom head coach Tony Pulis has warned James McClean to think more on the pitch as he prepares to start a three-game suspension.

Pulis believes his winger will now be watched closely by referees after his red card against Bournemouth last week.

McClean chopped Adam Smith down in retaliation for a 50-50 challenge just 10 seconds previously and is now banned for three games.

Pulis feels the Republic of Ireland international let himself down after he spoke to him following a rash tackle on Mousa Dembele – which boss Mauricio Pochettino called an “orange card” – when Albion faced Tottenham in their previous home game.

He said: “We talked to James after the Tottenham game. That was a rash challenge. So for him to do it two games later, irrespective of whether the full-back had just done him or not, is just stupid.

“I have had a good chat with him and he understands. He’s a good lad. It was just the fact that that challenge came so quickly after the challenge on him. That mist was still there. He’s got to wash that away because it’s just petulance and we can’t afford that.

“He’s got to realise that now that people will be aware. If he makes a mistake the next time he’s going to get punished.”

Salomon Rondon was also sent off in the 2-1 defeat against the Cherries, for kicking out and pushing his head into Dan Gosling, and will miss three games along with McClean, starting with Boxing Day’s trip to Swansea.

But despite the red cards Pulis dismissed suggestions the Baggies had any issues.

He added: “Our disciplinary record is good so far. We’ve only had one player suspended so far and that was Claudio Yacob for five yellow cards, and he can get five yellow cards in training, nevermind in games. The team has been exceptionally well behaved in lots of games.”