Wolves and West Brom players BREAK Premier League’s new Covid protocols as both set of teams hug after scoring goals during Black Country derby – despite warnings over strict sanctions
- West Brom players celebrated Matheus Pereira’s goal by hugging each other
- Callum Robinson and Robert Snodgrass embraced each other after the goal
- Wolves players also took part in a pre-match team huddle before the game
- Players have been told to avoid hugging, high-fives and handshakes in matches
West Brom and Wolves players ignored Premier League Covid protocols by hugging each other after their first-half goals.
Players have been told to avoid hugging, high-fives and handshakes before, during and after matches due to the rising cases of coronavirus, with sanctions promised for breaches.
Matheus Pereira gave West Brom the lead with a penalty in the eighth minute. He was embraced by Robert Snodgrass, who was then hugged by Callum Robinson – who had won the spot-kick.
West Brom players ignored protocols by embracing each other after Matheus Pereira’s goal
Robert Snodgrass hugged Pereira and was then embraced by Callum Robinson
Wolves players then hugged Fabio Silva after he levelled for the home side in the 38th minute
Wolves equalised in the 38th minute through Fabio Silva with his team-mates also celebrating by hugging the young striker.
Willy Boly then put the hosts ahead five minutes later which led to another mass team celebration.
Just after half-time, Semi Ajayi drew the visitors level with a header and he too was embraced by his team-mates. Pereira then added another penalty and was again embraced by Robinson.
Willy Boly’s goal was also caused a mass team celebration as he put his side 2-1 ahead
Before kick-off, Wolves players also took part in a team huddle.
Earlier in the week, Sam Allardyce said he couldn’t promise his players wouldn’t hug each other if they scored.
He said: ‘Certainly jumping on each other and hugging each other is out of the question now. I’m not sure why we’re in a bubble here and we get tested twice a week that it makes a difference.
‘But if that’s what the protocols are we’ll try our best to adhere to it. But I can’t promise that anyone won’t get carried away if they score a goal.’
The Premier League held a series of calls with captains, managers and key staff earlier this week after several players ignored warnings over hugging during mid-week games.
Victories for Sheffield United, Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton saw players celebrate with each other. Fulham players also hugged after equalising at Tottenham.
Wolves players took part in a pre-match huddle before kick-off despite rules over distancing