Manchester City Football Club News

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

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

SWP charge annoys Hughes

05 Feb 2009 - 12:13:02

Click To Enlarge

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has criticised the Football Association following their decision to charge Shaun Wright-Phillips with violent conduct.

Wright-Phillips clashed with Stoke City's Rory Delap in last Saturday's game at the Britannia Stadium in an incident that led to the Potters star being sent off.

While he lay on the ground, Wright-Phillips aimed a kick at Delap, an incident which was missed at the time by referee Martin Atkinson.

The England winger was charged by the FA on Wednesday evening, but Hughes is unhappy with their handling of the incident.

"We are disappointed," said Hughes. "There are a few letters and faxes going to be exchanged between ourselves and the FA because the way it stands, if we decide to appeal, we are not going to get a verdict until late on Friday.

"The process could have been done a lot more quickly, which is something we will be highlighting, because I have to prepare a team for Saturday.

"By the letter of the law Shaun retaliated, but he had twice been kicked from behind. I don't think what Shaun did in response was violent conduct.

"It was a human reaction and I feel a three-game ban would be unfair."