Furious Hughes calls for video replays
Mark Hughes believes video replays should be introduced as a matter
of priority in the Premiership.
The Blackburn manager is demanding a meeting with referees' chief
Keith Hackett following the controversial 1-1 draw against
Tottenham at Ewood Park.
Hughes and his opposite number Martin Jol were both highly critical
of the match officials, led by referee Phil Dowd.
'I have never been an advocate of technology. But when huge
decisions at the top level have an impact on teams, management and
players then something has to be done,' said the Blackburn
boss.
'There are clear breaks in play whenever there is a penalty claim
or a goal is scored.
'In that short period of time it can be established very quickly
whether it was a genuine penalty kick or a genuine goal.
'Sooner rather than later they should bring it in, and I think it
will happen.'
Blackburn took the lead thanks to a superb 25-yard volley from
Tugay. But the former Turkey playmaker was later red-carded after
being adjudged to have brought down Hossam Ghaly.
Jermain Defoe equalised from the penalty spot, and Ghaly was
dismissed later for appearing to elbow Michael Gray.
Jol was then told to 'stand away' from the touchline, after
questioning the decision.
He initially intended to appeal against what he thought was a
dismissal - but a Premier League spokesman later made it clear Dowd
had not sent the manager off.
That does not alter Jol's irritation about Ghaly's red card.
'I know Hossam, and he never used his elbow. He misjudged it. It
was never intentional,' said the Spurs boss.
'The referee reacted to the crowd, who were crying out for a red
card.
'I told him [the referee] he was totally wrong. He was a bit
emotional.
'I was not abusive to him - afterwards maybe.'
Hughes was livid at the seventh penalty awarded against his side
this season. He will appeal against Tugay's red card, as well as
demanding a meeting with Hackett.
'It is important we highlight these things to the powers-that-be,'
he said.
'Performance level is what we are all about - players, management
and referees.
'Their performance has to be of the required standard.
'I do not think Mr Dowd would have been proud of his
performance.
'Tugay did not make any contact. The guy lost his footing and has
gone over. The referee is in a decent position to make a decision
himself.
'We asked to speak to his assistant because we think he is going to
overrule him.
'He comes back and ends up sending him off. We are scratching our
heads.'
Hughes felt Rovers should have had a penalty when Mido appeared to
handle in the area, after Defoe's equaliser.
'The assistant is 15 yards away, and I am 120 yards away. I saw it,
and everyone else did,' said the Blackburn boss.
'These are big decisions that have a direct effect on the outcome
of the game. On too many occasions this season, it has it happened
to us.'
