Hughes: I'm no cheat

Richard Hughes has claimed he did not try to get Nolberto Solano sent off.

The Peruvian winger was given his marching orders just ten minutes into the contest by Graham Poll for striking out at the Pompey midfielder.

Hughes has conceded he pulled back Solano to prevent Villa's attack and did not expect Solano to see red, despite catching him in the face.

"Solano caught me in the face and I went down," stated Hughes. "I do not know how hard he got me but there was contact.

"I feel sorry for him as I know he is not like that, but when someone is tugging your shirt like that like I was it's natural instinct to throw out your arm and try to get them away from you.

"I had no option but to pull him back. I was surprised when the red card came out because of my part in the incident.

"I hope I'm not branded a cheat. I was not trying to get anyone sent off."