DOES QUINN NEED PROTECTION?
Following the 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane on Saturday, the Irishman confessed: "I don't want to make a huge issue out of it but two or three people at different clubs have told me that the manager tells them in the run-up to the game 'foul him, he doesn't get free-kicks.'"
Tottenham defenders Ben Thatcher and Ramon Vega committed a combined total of 11 fouls against Sunderland, and Quinn was adjudged to have been fouled four times during the 90 minutes - more than any other player on the field.
The former Arsenal forward has won 38 fouls during 12 appearances for the Black Cats this term, making him the most-fouled player in the top-flight, with team-mate Don Hutchison a close second.
Quinn is used to the harsh treatment however, as he was fouled 94 times last season - only David Ginola surpassed this total.
While this figure only relates to the number of fouls the referees actually acknowledge, it lends credence to the theory that Quinn is a targeted man and is subjected to a high degree of physical confrontation.
However, it should be noted that the Sunderland forward is no angel and he often uses his lanky frame to his own advantage.
In fact, Quinn has already committed 30 fouls (not including offsides) and has been booked on two occasions, making him the seventh worst offender in the division.
If he is going to argue a point about the treatment he receives on the field, then perhaps Quinn should first concentrate on cleaning up his own act.
The big number nine may then find more decisions going his way, if he is perceived to be fair player who abides by the rules.
