STOKE MANAGER MARK Hughes expressed his disappointment at the referee’s decision not to send Harry Arter off for a shocking challenge on Joe Allen this afternoon.
The Ireland international was lucky to escape a red card for a high, two-footed and over-the-top tackle on Stoke midfielder Allen during the 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium.
It was a wild challenge and it was little surprise Hughes brought it up in his post-match interview.
“We are disappointed the referee did not see fit to send one of their players early on in the game,” the Stoke boss told BBC Sport. ”It was a terrible challenge on Joe Allen, the lad was out of control.”
In contrast, Eddie Howe defended his player, saying referee Paul Tierney made the right call as Arter won the ball ‘flush.’
“A few years ago that would have been seen as an outstanding tackle but it is a difficult one, I think he got the ball flush but you don’t want to see players hurt and I think the referee made the right call,” he remarked.
Fortunately Allen was okay and completed the 90 minutes.
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Very good read i cant wait for huge Gavin to play for them look’s like all irish side’s have plenty of dept and strength
Murray, you left Shayne Bolton out of your back 3 assessments, probably the most explosive back in the squad, behind Mack, of course!
@Mary Corrigan: Was that him running in tries against Glasgow? looks a tidy player.
@Thesaltyurchin: Yes, it was!
@Mary Corrigan: Hope he can stay healthy!!! Really want this lad to get some luck this season…Pace and Power bottled.
At some stage this season hoping that we have Santi @ FB, Mack and Bolton on the wings!!
That’s a tasty back 3!
I’ve a feeling Ioane is going to be a dud signing. The Chiefs fans I’ve come across online are delighted to be getting rid of him
@5sZl1dX2: Sometimes a player needs a change of scene to recapture his form
Some gems in the Connacht Squad, Gavin, Ioane, Cordero who should make their mark this season.I still feel Connacht is the IRFUs greatest uptapped opportunity for a number of reasons.
Firstly there are quality players at Leinster who wont get much game time, think Scott Penney, Harry Byrne or Rob Rusell. All would be in the mix for a Connacht European match day 23
Secondly the current Connacht squad is particularly week in the front five. Just investing in acquiring 3 international players at SR, LH and Hooker would substantially level up Connacht and make those European away games more winnable for them. Wish the IRFU would allocate a few million more to Connacht and help them move into ERC knock out contenders
@Owen ODonoghue: One thing connacht never lack for are speedy outside backs, so Russell might not get many more games than at Leinster. Penny would at best be 2nd choice at 7 to Moose, who was Connacht’s best player in a strong back row. You’re mostly right about the tight five, but our international locks (Dillane and Thornbury) moved on because Connacht couldn’t afford to hold onto them, especially with RO’G headhunting Dillane.