Baggies keep cool while the fans fume

West Brom today played down two flashpoints in their historic win at Stoke after Baggies fans were left fuming at Potters striker Peter Crouch.

Supporters bombarded social networking websites to complain after TV cameras appeared to spot Crouch attempting to poke Albion's Jonas Olsson in the eye. But

Baggies keeper Ben Foster revealed Olsson had not even mentioned the incident to team-mates while goalscorer James Morrison apologised for an angry gesture towards Potters fans.

Replays seemed to show Crouch put his fingers towards Olsson's right eye after the pair had argued over a Stoke penalty appeal.

But Foster, who spoke to reporters after his second-half penalty save, said: "Jonas hasn't mentioned anything about it and I didn't see a thing, so I can't really comment."

And boss Roy Hodgson added: "I'm afraid in penalty area situations these days you could almost prove anything you want to prove with TV replays.

"There is always someone who has got a hold here or a shove there.

"I thought the referee and his assistants were very good because they officiated the game very fairly and adopted a sensible line.

"They cut out as much of the pushing, shoving and holding as they could.

"I don't think any referee would be capable of seeing everything that goes on."

Meanwhile, Morrison said sorry for directing a defiant gesture at home fans after his first-half goal opened the scoring.

He said: "It was a little bit 'heat of the moment' and I didn't mean anything by it.

"I have been to Stoke a few times and I know what it takes to win so I was just glad we were winning and I was delighted for the three points.

"I didn't mean anything by it. In the heat of the moment when you score it takes you over and if anyone was upset I apologise for it."

Hodgson added: "That gesture could be interpreted in a thousand ways.

"I think today guys who are watching and writing about it have so much good they can talk about, so many interesting things they can say without starting looking for imaginary gestures.

"I'm sure it was just a way of celebrating."