West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke has defended his players' right to enjoy a Christmas party in Dublin, despite the not winning in five games. With the team just two points above the relegation zone, some fans have been critical, but Clarke saw no harm in allowing his players time off to enjoy themselves.
"I don't understand that it would look bad," he said. "They had two days off and they wanted to go and spend some time together - no problem."
"It was good for the players to get away. It was a difficult week. They went away, got themselves together and had a good time.
"They have to relax and enjoy themselves. If anyone says they weren't hurting after three defeats in a week - they were.
"They have been hurting, the same as everyone has been hurting. Everyone hurts when you lose. To try to make an issue of going out and trying to have a night out is wrong."
