West Brom player Taylor Gardner-Hickman apologises to fans for his part in a controversial incident at Nottingham Forest.
The Baggies youngster has said sorry booting the ball into the crowd of home supporters during Easter Monday’s clash.
He was brought on during the first-half soon after West Brom were reduced to ten men, but shortly coming on, the 20 year old was booked for booting the ball into the crowd from close range moments after being penalised for a tackle on Forest’s Philip Zinckernagel.
A number of supporters were forced to quickly try and avoid being hit by the ferociously oncoming ball, before prompted fury from the Forest faithful as can be seen in the videos below…
AJAHAHAHAHA GETS BETTER EVERYTIME #WBA pic.twitter.com/MAtaUWGYsA
— 🎒 (@jwbaa_) April 18, 2022
Taylor Gardner-Hickman kicking the ball into the Nottingham Forest fans pic.twitter.com/WAhoew7Au3
— SportzGlobal01 (@SportzGlobal01) April 19, 2022
He did raise a hand in apology to the supporters, alongside his captain Jake Livermore.
While he was just showing his six minutes before half time, it produced a minor fracas between both sets of players on the far side of the City Ground pitch.
Steve Bruce said after the game, which finished 4-0 to Steve Cooper’s side, there was no malicious intent in Gardner-Hickman’s actions and that he would apologise.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “I would just like to apologise on the incident last night (Monday). I genuinely meant to kick the ball off of the advertising hoardings but unfortunately it hit the top of the board and went into the crowd. As I said it is not in my nature to kick a ball into the crowd, so again I apologise for how it seemed and I am so glad no one was hurt.”
Bruce had come to Gardner-Hickman’s defence in his post-match press conference, saying: “He’s a young player, who’s as genuine and honest as they come, and he’s meant to kick the ball, I agree, in frustration against the advertising boards, and unfortunately, it’s gone over the top.
“And, if it’s hit somebody in the crowd, then we will apologise, and I’ll get Tayls to make sure that whoever it was, if it did hit somebody, then we will get in touch to say that. I hope that he’s okay.
“He wouldn’t do anything malicious. He’s a young kid caught up in the whole thing, and as I said, I think he’s tried to bash the ball against the advertising board and, unfortunately, missed it.”
“So we apologise for those concerned. But he would never ever do anything like that and just try to damage anybody.”
SEE MORE: Nottingham Forest’s Jack Colback scores goal of the season contender vs West Brom
Twitter users reacted as the West Brom player apologises to fans for causing the controversial incident at Nottingham Forest…
There’s something seriously wrong if Taylor Gardner-Hickman doesn’t get banned for that incident last night. Immature moment of madness which sets a dangerous precedent if retrospective action isn’t taken.
— Alex Apati (@LadsAlex) April 19, 2022
I think everyone dealt with it as they should have last night. Forest fans were right to be wound up, TGH was right to apologise, Bruce and Livermore handled it well and the ref was right to have a word. Not sure it needs to escalate beyond that, really.
— Steve Madeley (@SteveMadeley78) April 19, 2022
@wbarenno: Not really , what if it had of hit a kid in the face or anyone for that matter. Wasn’t exactly a soft kick . Ridiculous behaviour.
@TheRainbowStand: Proper shit isn’t it? I was fuming
@NFFCJRM: Taylor Gardner Hickman has got to be retrospectively banned? Intentionally drilling a ball into the crowd from 10 metres, could have seriously injured someone, let alone a child or even a disabled fan? Should have been a straight red card on the spot. @EFL #wba #nffc
@baggiedave70: Very poor form TGH. Ill discipline in this team one of its many faults this season
@CyclingDefender: Absolute immature tool, angry because his team were getting hammered, he will learn
@Iiamp98: Commentator gets me every time I watch it.. ‘what on earth are you DOING’
@hithisiswes: Legitimately would’ve jumped the barrier and chinned Gardner-Hickman if he’d have hit my wife or daughters with that late, unnecessary and petulant smashing of the ball into the crowd.
@Forest_No_22: If a fan throws an object at a player, they are ejected and probably banned. How is Gardner-Hickman still on the pitch after that? F*cking little 🐀
@billhowell68: Gardner Hickman … what are you doing? Now that could have been a red. Certainly a yellow. Albion trying to take advantage of a weak referee.
@mickygunn87: This is what needs to happen when someone holds up a can i have your shirt sign
@BaggiesBeard: People think this was malicious however as a WBA season ticket holder I can assure you that we’re just awful at football and this was a genuine attempt on goal 😭 #WBAFC #FORWBA
@RFCJoeJ: I really don’t understand how this is considered funny, there are little kids in that crowd, to pelt a ball at them is disgusting
@rmelrose11: Struggling to see anything funny about this #wba
@ehayward93: Why is this a good thing? Shows the ill discipline in the squad.
@TomosEdders26: you’ve got to be sick to find it amusing that gardner hickman twatted a ball into the family stand.
@george_downes17: Gotta say this is disgusting from Hickman. Absolutely no need for it
@jennabatesss: Best part of the game hahahahah
@ScottCameron91: Shithousery at its finest, I’m all here for this… 🙌
@Yates220: Player of the season
@KieranD83672193: Celebrating kicking the ball into the crowd really highlights how shit a football club you are #NFFC
@LFCJacobb: This commentator makes me laugh man 😭😭
@blakey_oufc: Commentator acts like he’s just stabbed someone
@Rio_Edwards_0_1: Don’t need to apologise
@MattyNFFC23: Accidents happen? no need to do it in the 1st place maybe?! 🤷🏻♂️
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