Alan Irvine disappointed by Julian Speroni comments

West Bromwich Albion head coach Alan Irvine has insisted that defender Craig Dawson has "no case to answer" after his challenge on Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni at The Hawthorns last weekend.

Dawson caught Speroni with a stray elbow which resulted in the stopper receiving several minutes of treatment, and the Argentine has hit out at the Baggies player for failing to apologise for the incident.

However, Irvine has responded to Speroni's outburst by claiming that Dawson was solely intent on winning the ball.

The 56-year-old is quoted by the Express & Star as saying: "We are extremely disappointed by these comments. The simple fact is that Craig was only focused on winning the ball and has no case to answer.

"The challenge was seen at the time by the match officials and they clearly reached the same decision. Anyone who knows Craig knows him to be a totally honest player."

The Premier League contest between the two sides ended in a 2-2 draw.