Source: PA
Hughton plays down tough tackling talk
Chris Hughton is convinced there are fewer bad challenges now than there were during his playing days despite the loss of Hatem Ben Arfa to a horror tackle.
The Newcastle boss is facing up to having to do without his loan signing for months after the Frenchman suffered a double leg fracture when he was scythed down by Manchester City's Nigel de Jong on October 3.
The Dutchman's wild challenge, which did not even result in the award of a free-kick from match referee Martin Atkinson, added fuel to the ongoing debate over tackling. However, former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland full-back Hughton insists the game is cleaner now than it was in his day.
He said: "It's a combination of a few things: the amount of cameras now at the stadium mean that very rarely are they missed; the pitches are lusher and clear now; the game has got quicker, but yes, they are highlighted more now than before.
"If anybody says to me there are more bad challenges now than before, then I certainly don't see it that way. Players were certainly allowed to get away with more quite some years ago, but of course, they are highlighted more now.
"It's been highlighted very much in recent weeks because of the severity of some of the injuries, and that's always going to be the case. You are going to go through quieter periods where in effect nothing happens with regard to bad injuries, and then you are going to go through a spate like we have done. But it is an art and it is very much part of the game."
