The pressures of a relegation fight combined with a final-gasp concession to send the West Bromwich Albion dressing room into battle mode on Saturday.
The Baggies appeared to have claimed victory with a stoppage time goal, only for Cardiff City to dash down the field and claim an equalizer moments before the final whistle to share the points with a 3-3 draw.
Saido Berahino, 20, may’ve sent in the cross that produced the former goal, but his giveaway on the latter led to consternation in the locker room. That included a dust-up that may have left the forward with a head injury.
The Sun said several punches were thrown following a verbal confrontation, but West Brom is playing down the incident as not uncommon in tight races for Premier League survival:
“Tensions were understandably running high in the dressing room, but the incident has been sensationalised in the media,” said a club spokesman.
“What happened is not uncommon in a dressing room and shows that the players care.
“The players involved have apologised. The club has drawn a line under the matter and is now fully focusing on Saturday’s important game at Norwich.”
It’s probably not a major deal, and certainly matters less than what happens on Saturday as the relegation six-pointers roll toward Survival Sunday.