A delighted Roy Hodgson admitted the injury to Shane Long took the edge off Albion’s first win on Villa soil since 1979.
The Baggies came from behind after Darren Bent’s penalty gave the hosts the lead before Jonas Olsson’s towering header and Paul Scharner’s unstoppable volley gave Albion the points.
But, in an ill-tempered derby game, Hodgson was left appalled after watching Shane Long limped off following an x-rated challenge from Alan Hutton.
"I'm very pleased with the result and very pleased with the performance but very disappointed about Shane's injury," said the experienced head coach.
"I'm still angered by the challenge.
"Before anyone starts talking about red cards, be very careful, because if ever I've seen a challenge that merited a red card, it was Hutton's on Long.
"Shane's now got to have a scan to find out how serious the injury is but he's lucky because he could have had two broken legs.
"The referee refereed the game well but, as in all football matches these days, it all revolves around incidents.
"Tomorrow, our performance, passing and movement will be largely ignored because everyone will be discussing whether Herd should or should not have been sent off.
"That's the nature of the business, but I just want to make it absolutely clear from my point of view that I don't care about that.
"I'm disappointed to lose Shane but very happy with our performance.
"The referee made a decision with regards to Herd that he thought was the right decision.
"He was in a good position to see it.
"I didn't see it at the time, I was watching the ball.
"But I've seen it on TV and their guy has left his foot on Jonas.
"It was a moment of madness, which happens.
"It's easy to criticise and say he shouldn't do those things but it happens in football.
"Unfortunately, he and Aston Villa paid a high price for it because they had to play with ten men."
Do you think Hutton should've been sent off for his challenge on Long? Have your say on the incident and Albion's win here at Baggies Banter.
Source: FOOTYMAD
