Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Hughes fumes at time-keeping

21 Sep 2009 - 07:37:09

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Mark Hughes accused the match officials of "robbing" his Manchester City side after losing Sunday's derby 4-3 to a controversial stoppage-time goal from Michael Owen.

Fourth official Alan Wiley indicated that four minutes of stoppage time would be played at Old Trafford with a thrilling match level at 3-3 at the time.

But Owen stabbed home a winner for United six minutes into added time to leave United fans delirious but Hughes furious at the last-gasp drama which unfolded.

"It is desperately disappointing for us in a game of real significance for us and for Manchester United," lamented Hughes.

"We had to show great character and great qualities today and in the end we feel really frustrated and robbed in fairness because the referee has played seven more minutes at the end of the game."

The Red Devils had led neighbours City three times, but had been pegged back on each occasion.

Craig Bellamy's third equaliser had come only 20 seconds from the end of normal time, yet there was to be one more twist in this 153rd meeting of the Manchester clubs.

"Alan Wiley tried to explain that the referee had added on time for our celebration on 90 minutes," continued Hughes.

"I have looked at the video. That took 45 seconds and he said he was going to add a minute on for that. I don't know where he has got that thinking from.

"At the end of the day I think they scored on 95 minutes and 20 seconds so where he has got the seven minutes from I have no idea."