Hughes blasts Bennett

Mark Hughes has accused referee Steve Bennett of making a 'diabolical' decision.

Bennett incurred the wrath of the Rovers boss when he awarded a 77th minute penalty, despite El Hadji Diouf clearly flinging himself to the ground as Brad Friedel raced off his line.

Diouf rubbed further salt into the wounds by taking the resultant penalty, which was saved by Friedel, only for the on-loan Liverpool man to ram home the rebound.

But Hughes was seething with both Diouf's blatant dive and also the fact that the Senegal international was still on the pitch.

The controversial Diouf elbowed Andy Todd during the opening exchanges at Ewood Park but only received a yellow card for his transgression, much to Hughes' chagrin.

"I mean, the penalty has never been a penalty," bemoaned Hughes on Sky Sports 1.

"Unfortunately, he's got a reputation for diving and he has enhanced it tonight.

"It's a diabolical decision and it has cost us the game at the end of the day.

"We didn't play well and it was not a classic by any stretch of the imagination but that has changed the game and we've lost points because of that decision.

"In fairness, I didn't feel he should have been on the pitch because he's thrown an elbow at Andy Todd and caught him. The ref has seen it, he puts up a yellow card and I can't work that out."

Hughes also admitted he felt match official Bennett should have been aware of Diouf's reputation for courting controversy.

He added: "Referees are paid and paid very well to make the correct decision and he has not made it.

"Maybe on reflection he will hold his hands up and say he got it wrong. They have a difficult job but these decisions are why they are paid so well.

"They say that referees should do their homework, they have plenty of conferences and know the players they are going to come into contact with.

"I thought he would have done his homework tonight. With some individuals, you have to look at the previous."

Robbie Savage made his Rovers debut in the 1-0 defeat and Hughes was satisfied with his recent recruit's performance, after the midfielder's acrimonious switch from Birmingham City.

"He did okay, he hasn't had much football as it's been a difficult time over the past couple of weeks.

"He acquitted himself very well and he will get stronger and better."