'It takes serious courage' – Keith Andrews backs Dango Ouattara over Panenka miss

Dango Ouattara’s missed penalty cost Brentford (John Walton/PA).

Keith Andrews criticised the “disgusting” culture of ridiculing players who miss penalties after Dango Ouattara’s fluffed Panenka cost Brentford a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Ouattara’s outlandish dinked effort was easily caught by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola as the Bees slipped to a 5-3 shootout loss at London Stadium.

Brentford boss Andrews alluded to the host of England internationals who have been “persecuted” for failing from 12 yards at major tournaments during a passionate defence of the Burkina Faso forward.

Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen and Bees top scorer Igor Thiago each scored twice during normal time as an entertaining fifth-round tie ended in a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes.

“No, I’m not annoyed at all,” Andrews said of Ouattara’s penalty.

“I think the easiest thing for a footballer to do is not take a penalty. It takes unbelievable courage on a stage like that to take a penalty.

“It’s probably the first time I’ve ever spoken about penalty kicks and people that miss them.

“I despise the culture around players that have missed penalty kicks – I think you know the ones I’m talking about, national heroes that have done it, ridiculed, persecuted. I think it’s disgusting.”

Ouattara stepped up second for Brentford in the shootout.

The 24-year-old was the only player from either side to fail as the west London club’s wait for a first FA Cup quarter-final since 1989 was extended in agonising fashion.

“It takes serious courage to do that,” continued Andrews. “He practises that technique a lot, if it goes in everyone’s raving about him.

“Dango will get the absolute support he needs from myself and everybody attached to it.”