West Brom boss Slaven Bilic wants more clarity from the FA when it comes to retrospectively banning players as he prepares to welcome Matheus Pereira back into the XI.

The influential Brazilian has missed the last three games after he was charged with violent conduct after the 1-0 defeat at home to Stoke for elbowing Joe Allen.

However, the club are annoyed that Leeds United's Mateusz Klich and Brentford's Said Benrahma have escaped punishment in recent weeks for what Albion feel are similar red card offences.

And, speaking to the Express & Star, Bilic outlined his frustration at the way the current situation is and express his unhappiness at the FA.

"Obviously, I’m disappointed in the system, the way it works, it’s not the same for everybody, the same criteria. In this stage of the season, with the league this tight, everything is important.

"Now you have a couple of at least similar situations, if not worse, if not more deliberate. But it’s ‘okay, let’s move on’. The explanation the club got (from the FA) was, in the greatest respect, like a primary school explanation. It didn’t explain anything to us."

Pereira is expected to start as Albion look to extend their lead at the top of the Championship at The Den tomorrow.

QUIZ: Can you name the season in which these 14 West Brom images were taken?

The verdict

You can understand why Bilic is upset that other sides have seemingly got away with things but it doesn't make the Pereira decision wrong. He should have been sent off at the time and was rightly banned after the game.

Quite what needed explaining regarding that is unclear as it was deliberate and clearly a red in the eyes of many - including key figures at Albion because they didn't appeal!

So, his main issue appears to be with other clubs getting fortunate and whilst that's frustrating, these things happen in football throughout the season at every level.

Either way, the Croatian will be delighted to have Pereira back now as they gear up for a tough game in the capital tomorrow.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.