Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has hit out at the refereeing standards after one of his players was the subject of a shocking tackle on the weekend.
Potters midfielder Stephen Ireland was hacked down by Hull City's Maynor Figueroa during the home team's 1-0 win at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday which forced him off the pitch at half-time and into the medical room for stitches.
Hughes blasted referee Neil Swarbrick for failing to see the incident which incensed him just as much as the potentially career-ending challenge from Figueroa.
"It's a dangerous and reckless challenge that should have been recognised by the referee and unfortunately Stephen paid the price," said Hughes.
"It's quite clear from my point of view it's an horrendous challenge and Stephen is very lucky he's been able to walk off at half-time.
"Those type of challenges are the ones they need to be able to read and understand as a referee. If they can't filter those from the ones that are innocuous and not career threatening, then there is something wrong somewhere.
"They are professional referees now and get more help to get better than they ever have done, but for whatever reason this year hasn't covered them in any kind of glory and they need to be better next year."
