BENNI McCarthy's penalty fired Rovers into a half time lead at the Hawthorns before being controversially sent off.

The South African was booked twice by referee Mike Jones inside the first 36 minutes to receive his marching orders, the second caution a horrendous blunder by the official.

As McCarthy rose to meet Martin Olsson's clearance a slight push from Ryan Donk left him off balance and, as he was still in the air, the ball struck his shoulder.

Having been softly booked for a trip on Jonathan Greening on 17 minutes earlier, McCarthy was heading for an early bath to the amazement of the entire stadium.

Jones had been the centre of controversy earlier on when he awarded the visitors a soft penalty for a foul on Jason Roberts.

Stephen Warnock's throw from the left deep inside West Brom's half found Roberts with his back to goal inside the hosts' area.

Inexplicably Ryan Donk tugged the striker's shirt as he headed away from goal leaving referee Mike Jones to to the penalty spot.

Benni McCarthy emphatically fired home his second goal in three games to hand the visitors a fortuitous lead after 12 minutes.

Tony Mowbray's side had otherwise dominated the majority of the half, but without really troubling Paul Ince's men.

Paul Robinson was forced into a diving save from James Morrison's volley while Borja Valero and Jonathan Greening both stabbed snap shots over.