Hughton’s spot of bother with VAR

REPLAYS are part of the wonderful fabric of the FA Cup but there are occasions when it is best for all concerned to agree to play an extra 30 minutes, followed by penalties if necessary.

Managers Chris Hughton and Darren Moore protested after this goalless stalemate that they did not mind an additional fixture at The Hawthorns in 10 days’ time.

But surely the last thing Brighton and West Brom need right now is another distraction from their respective league aspirations?

The fact West Brom, chasing an immediate return to the Premier League, made nine changes and the Seagulls, seeking to preserve their top-flight status, six told you everything you needed to know about priorities.

Brighton boss Hughton said: ‘In the latter stages it should be finished on the day but this is a cup competition everyone wants to stay in.’

His West Brom counterpart Darren Moore agreed: ‘It isn’t a hindrance because there is huge admiration for the FA Cup. Both teams tried to win.’

Moore was grateful to his goalkeeper Jonathan Bond who made a succession of excellent saves, but Hughton felt Brighton should have had a penalty when Kyle Bartley pulled back Jurgen Locadia. ‘On a day we were picked as a VAR game and even if the referee hasn’t seen it, Locadia has gone down on the box,’ said Hughton.

‘The fact that he’s gone down in the box, that’s one that should be picked up.’

At that point Hughton, who received an honorary doctorate from the University of Sussex in the week for his leadership qualities in football, would have been satisfied as Brighton were making all the running.

After the break West Brom were the greater attacking threat but the deadlock remained unbroken and that means they will have to do it all over again.