The Villa midfielder was sent off against his former side as the Baggies went home with the bragging rights during Saturday’s Midlands derby.
Kieran Richardson played a pivotal part in Saturday’s Midlands derby – but for all the wrong reasons.
Indeed, the Aston Villa midfielder was sent off as West Brom beat their local rivals 1-0 thanks to a Craig Gardner winner.
And under-pressure West Brom boss Alan Irvine was understandably relieved with the three points, telling BBC Sport after the game: “Everyone assumes it’s easy with 10 men but it isn’t. It was never a foregone conclusion.
“However, I felt as long as we played with composure and didn’t try to hurry things we would do it.
“From my point of view it’s a great goal. Craig Gardner did well to finish it off. The players have been great for me.”
Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert gave a fair assessment of Richardson’s red card, saying: “I don’t think there was any malice in it from Kieran but I can understand why the ref’s sent him off.”
And that sending off may have written Richardson into West Brom folklore for completely different reasons to any that might have already put the midfielder there.
As supporters on Twitter pointed out after the derby win, Richardson is far more popular amongst the Baggies than Aston Villa fans this evening…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
