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Hughes Faces FA Inquest

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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has confirmed that he has been requested to explain his comments made after the 3-3 draw at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday regarding Craig Bellamy’s farcical red card against Bolton.

Bellamy was sent off for a second bookable offence after bungling referee Mark Clattenburg adjudged the Welshman to have dived on the edge of the box following a mistimed tackle from defender Paul Robinson.

Replays after the incident clearly showed that Robinson made contact with the in-form striker, and Mark Hughes was understandably aggrieved after seeing his side reduced to 10-men for a poor decision, describing the decision as ‘laughable’ and ‘ridiculous’.

Even Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson felt that the decision was poor, commenting: ‘I thought it was a bit harsh. He did not seem to be looking for it as he has gone past our full back.’

Regardless of the overwhelming concensus in support of Hughes’ views, he has now been sent a letter from the Football Association asking him to explain his post-match comments.

It had been reported through a number of news outlets that the Hughes had overheard a tunnel conversation at half-time in which Clattenburg had joked that he did not like the Welshman, commenting that ‘f*****g Bellamy’ was ‘a right b*****d’ as well as advising the fourth official to stay away from ‘the f***ers on the bench’.

The City boss stated after the match, ‘I don’t appreciate when the referees coming out for the second half start making comment about who they do or do not like in my team.

‘They might be having a laugh and a joke. I have to be careful here as we are talking about integrity.’


Manchester City are now having to deal with the fact that they will be without the services of one of their star strikers for the crucial game with Tottenham tomorrow.

Hughes has been given until December 22nd to reply to the FA’s letter.

Should Bellers have ever been sent off? What do you make of Clattenburg’s performance? Will Hughes face punishment from the FA, or will justice be done? Have your say NOW!

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