Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter has claimed innocence for his dangerous tackle on Stoke's Joe Allen in the 2-2 draw between the two sides on Saturday.

The Republic of Ireland international escaped with only a yellow for his dangerous two-footed tackle in the first-half. However, the tackle evoked an angry reaction from Potters boss Mark Hughes and MOTH pundit Danny Murphy called it a potential 'leg-breaker'.

"In real time, hand on heart, I honestly didn't think it was going to be a free-kick. When you are playing you are just in the heat of the game and my only intention was to get the ball.

"I've never been in for a tackle and hurt someone before and I never hope to do that. I apologised quite a few times to Joe at the time and at half-time and my only thought during it was to try and win the ball back.

"He obviously felt the force of the tackle and then was unhappy with it. What I felt was good was his reaction, he didn't roll around and try and get me sent off so I really do appreciate that."