Hughes to explain comments

FA call City boss to task following Bellamy's red card

Last updated: 15th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hughes to explain comments

Hughes: Must explain comments

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Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed he has been asked to explain his comments regarding Craig Bellamy's sending-off against Bolton Wanderers.

Bellamy was dismissed during City's 3-3 draw at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday after picking up a second yellow card for simulation.

Referee Mark Clattenburg adjudged Bellamy to have dived just outside the penalty area following a challenge by Bolton defender Paul Robinson.

Television replays suggested there was contact from Robinson, causing Bellamy to lose his balance, and Hughes was unhappy after the match.

Hughes described the decision to dismiss Bellamy as 'laughable' and 'ridiculous', and he has now been asked by the Football Association to explain those comments.

"What I said at the time, I stand by that," said Hughes, who has until 22nd December to respond to the FA, on Sky Sports News.

"By all accounts, the FA have sent a letter through asking for my version of events, so really I can't discuss it any further.

"My statements are on record from the weekend."

Bellamy will now miss City's trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night and Hughes admits the Welshman's absence will impact on his team.

He added: "Craig has been one of our top performers this season and to miss him for any game is a blow for us.

"But we've got good quality that can come in and no doubt make an impact."