Ryan Mason sheds light on West Brom red card and reveals why touchline ban could have 'pros' ahead of Stoke City test

A victory in his first game was followed by conceding a late strike to Derby and exiting the Carabao Cup on penalties.

He delivered Albion's first away victory since November at Wrexham - and all that has come amid a busy transfer window that has seen incomings and outgoings.

And last week Mason found himself in the headlines having been sent off during West Brom's 1-1 draw to Portsmouth - following controversial refereeing decisions over a potential penalty and red card.

Mason's touchline reaction landed him a misconduct charge and a one match touchline ban, which he will serve at Stoke City on Saturday.

The Albion manager held his hands up to the decision to give him a ban - insisting it is something he will have to learn from.

And he has shed some light on why exactly he was handed a red card during the game.

He said: "I wish it was not the case but it is something I have got to accept and hopefully it doesn't happen again.

"It is something to learn from. Football is an emotional game and it was a unique situation with two decisions in the space of two minutes, that is very rare.

"I have accepted it and we move on.

"It happens in football, it is an emotional game and that is why we love it.

"I am emotionally invested in the game and the club and obviously my opinion on the decisions was clear for everyone to see.

"It happens, I have made the consequences for reacting in a certain way, and hopefully it does not happen again.

"It was for dissent, there was no bad language. I have massive respect for referees and officials, I am not a direspectful person.

"I can be an emotional person, everyone who is a fan or passionate about the game is emotional. There was nothing disrespectful that crossed the line. It was for dissent, we accept it and move on."

The ban means Mason will watch the game at the Bet365 Stadium from the stands - with his coaching staff taking the touchline reigns.

But Mason believes there could be some advantages. He added: "It has its pros for sure, that is why we have members of staff every game up having a vantage point to see and feel the game.

"It can be a positive. It depends what the signal and communications are like, but I have a team of staff to fill in and get the message to the players, it won't be an issue."

Albion head to the Potteries with no fresh injury worries - as Daryl Dike and Tammer Bany work their way back to fitness.

Mason and the Baggies will come up against a Stoke City side that have recorded a 100 per cent record from their first three games - after battling for survival last season.

The Albion boss added: "They have had a very good start and they have a top manager, everyone knows that.

"They have started well and we understand the challenge. The mindset is to go and attack the game, and be as positive and optimistic as we can."