Chelsea midfielder Ramires 'was on his way down' in controversial draw with West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion manager says Chelsea midfielder Ramires "was already on the way down before anyone was near him" before earning controversial penalty

Talking point: Ramires's fall caused consternation amongst the West Brom staff Photo: ACTION IMAGES

Chelsea midfielder Ramires was on Saturday night at the centre of a fresh storm over apparent diving after earning the 95th-minute penalty that preserved Jose Mourinho’s record of never losing a Premier League match at home.

It came as Mourinho confirmed he had dropped England left-back Ashley Cole, who had also been omitted for the midweek Champions League match against Schalke, because he was unhappy with the defender’s form.

“I didn’t like his performance against Newcastle,” Mourinho said of Cole. Chelsea lost last weekend to Newcastle and should have lost on Saturday but for the penalty from Eden Hazard – recalled after also being dropped midweek, this time for losing his passport – that gained a 2-2 draw.

West Brom were furious with the penalty decision with the heated protests, led by captain Chris Brunt, who was booked, continuing down the tunnel after the match.

Referee Andre Marriner awarded the contentious spot kick when Ramires was challenged by Steven Reid with West Brom head coach Steve Clarke choosing his words carefully – even though his intent was clear.