West Brom boss Tony Pulis claimed Roberto Pereyra kicked out at James McClean in the incident which led to the Watford player's red card.

Hornets boss Walter Mazzarri was very critical of referee Graham Scott for the second-half dismissal.

But Pulis insists he was more concerned with ensuring his players avoided trouble with the Baggies leading 2-1.

Pulis said: “I was right in front of it and I think the kid kicked out. I was more concerned about James than anything else and trying to get him away from the incident, not that I think he did anything, but just to keep him away from it.

"We were winning the game 2-1 and you don’t want them to get involved. You just don’t need that."

The Baggies were put under pressure by Watford during the game and Pulis was in no doubt about the physical threat of their opponents despite the 3-1 victory.

Pulis said: “I thought it was a tough game for us. Watford are a very physical side and work very hard. They had just come off a bad result so had something to prove to everybody. Before the game they’re in front of us and have more points than us.

"Physically I thought it was a real difficult contest. The two centre halves were fantastic against Troy Deeney and the other lad and I’m very pleased."