Di Matteo defends red card record

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo has refuted claims his side are violent after having six players sent off this season – the most in the league.

The Baggies host Manchester United at the Hawthorns on Saturday with Gabriel Tamas suspended after being sent off in their previous game against Blackburn.

Youssuf Mulumbu saw red against Everton and Manchester City, while both Gonzala Jara and Pablo Ibanez were given their marching orders against Blackpool. James Morrison was also sent off against Liverpool in August.

“I don’t think we are a violent team because of our red cards,” said Di Matteo.

“There’s been two double yellows with Youssuf Mulumbu. So it’s Jara and Tamas that have been the bad ones.”

The Italian also expressed his disappointment at the suspension of Tamas, who has appeared in all but one of West Brom’s league games this campaign.

“It’s disappointing, missing three games,” he said.

The former Chelsea midfielder hailed the strength and depth Manchester United have in their squad ahead of their visit to the Hawthorns.

“Anytime you play against Manchester United it’s difficult because they have such great players and quality. There are goals everywhere in the team,” he said.

“It’ll be a difficult game for us no doubt about it.”

“Our first game of the season we played Chelsea, now our first game of the second half of the season we play Man United. But after that there’s another 18 games to play.”