Thursday 15 December 2016 08:42, UK
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has called for referees to use "common sense" after seeing Marko Arnautovic sent off for a mistimed challenge against Southampton on Wednesday.
Arnautovic received a straight red card from Anthony Taylor for a late tackle on Sofiane Boufal midway through the first half.
Southampton were unable to take advantage of their extra man as Stoke held out for a 0-0 draw and Hughes claims the game was ruined by the early sending off.
"It was an awful game because the referee didn't really get a grip of it," said Hughes.
"He made a decision which we can understand. It was a bouncing ball, Marko's gone to intercept it and unfortunately he's missed the ball.
"If the referee had used a little bit of common sense, which he struggled to do throughout the proceedings this evening, then he could have seen that it was an attempt to get the ball.
"Marko's caught him unfortunately but he's picked the lad up - Marko's very remorseful and we should have just carried on and had 11 v 11.
"The game itself was poor in terms of quality of football but that's understandable. I have to say, in terms of desire and work ethic from my players, I was really proud of what they did tonight.
"It could have been very easy to feel sorry for ourselves because the referee on numerous occasions didn't do us any favours.
"I'm hoping this isn't sounding like sour grapes because we've got a good point but they need to use a bit more common sense in my view."
Hughes admits Stoke are unlikely to appeal the red card decision, meaning Arnautovic will miss the next three games against Leicester, Liverpool and Chelsea.
"By the letter of the law it's a mistimed tackle," he said. "They'll say it's reckless, they'll say it's violent conduct, they'll say it's deserving of a three-match ban, which is ridiculous in my view.
"That's where we find ourselves at the moment, we'll have to get on with it. Appealing it is not going to change that decision I don't think."
