West Brom boss Slaven Bilic and Rovers counterpart Tony Mowbray were both rugged central defenders in their playing days, neither a stranger to a strong challenge or the odd card here and there.

This past week has seen both sent to the stands, with Bilic facing an FA charge while no further action was taken against Mowbray.

The Baggies boss was twice yellow carded by referee Gavin Ward after being incensed by two penalty decisions given against his side in their 1-1 draw with Derby last weekend.

Mowbray was sent off by Geoff Eltringham in the Carabao Cup defeat at Sheffield United following an exchange with a ball boy as his side chased a late equaliser.

He felt his post-match comments, in that he was simply teaching the youngster ‘a life lesson’, were vindicated by the decision not to charge him, though Bilic feels he may have to change his conduct on the touchline to avoid a ban.

Officials are able to hand out red and yellow cards to coaching staff since their introduction last season.

But Mowbray feels there has to be a common sense approach from the man in the middle.

“I think that’s generally the case. Common sense is man-management, understanding that if you have a guy stood in front of you with a red face and steam coming out of his ears, effing and blinding, I think you’re well within your right to take cards out and calm the situation down,” he explained.

“Generally that’s not the case. I do think that the fourth official takes most of the brunt and the referee will normally only come over if the fourth official has been abused after a decision that is unfathomable for everyone on the benches. I do think giving the officials cards that can be given to the benches, it’s a bit new, they’re trying it out.

“It seemed too easy to flash a red card the other night and yet I hadn’t done anything.

“It wasn’t as though I went over the top on someone with 12 studs in their shin, it felt a dramatic to be honest. It will calm down.”

Mowbray felt Eltringham had ‘a difficult night’ at Bramall Lane but said there were never any crossed words towards the official, or even the ball boy. And he said he would have appealed should any FA charge have followed.

He added: “VAR is an issue in the Premier League but it will calm down and everyone will get used to it and hopefully experienced referees will understand that this is a passionate game that we do for a living, it’s emotion, and after decisions you’re going to get managers and coaches shouting from the touchline.

“I told the referee to ‘liven up’ the other day.

“Banter is the wrong word, but I’m not effing and blinding and badmouthing, I’m just telling him that I didn’t think his decision was right and then he can have a bit of banter back.

“Generally they are okay and it’s not a problem but the fact they can now come over with red and yellow cards to the touchline and send off coaches is just new and will calm down I’m sure.”