Mark Hughes demands FA retrospective action for Maynor Figueroa's horror challenge
STOKE should have been celebrating a piece of Premier League history from the evergreen Peter Crouch but were instead left to reflect on the latest dangerous tackle to mar the game.
Mark Hughes has called for retrospective action after Maynor Figueroa's horror tackle
While Crouch equalled the headed goalscoring record in the Premier League with the 71st-minute winner, manager Mark Hughes was seething by Maynor Figueroa's studded challenge on Stephen Ireland's calf that left the midfielder needing 15 stitches and forcing him out for some time.
Now the Welshman wants the FA to take retrospective action against the Hull defender _ though it is understood that that is unlikely because the officials are believed to have seen the incident at the time.
"It's a dangerous, reckless challenge that should have been recognised by the referee at least but unfortunately Stephen has paid the price," said Hughes after Neil Swarbrick failed to spot the first half incident.
"Those type of challenges are the ones they need to be able to read and understand as a referee. And if they can't filter those from the ones that are innocuous and not career threatening then there is something wrong somewhere."
Crouch finally settled this poor quality affair a minute after his introduction on 70 minutes, nodding in fellow sub Charlie Adam's cross.
The 34-year-old now has 46 top flight headed goals, level with Alan Shearer, after being told that department was his weakness in his younger days.
Hughes: Tackle on Ireland shocking [AMBIENT]
It's a dangerous, reckless challenge that should have been recognised by the referee
Mark Hughes
"There were a lot of people in the early days who said I was better on the ground than heading," said Crouch. "They didn't think I was as good as I should have been."
Steve Bruce's side were poor in attack and full back Ahmed Elmohamady knows they need to improve for tomorrow's home game with his former club Sunderland, one he has described as a "cup final."
"The gaffer had a word with us after the game and said Sunderland was a six-pointer," he said. "It is a massive game."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
