Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

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Hughton hits out after Ben Arfa injury

04 Oct 2010 - 07:54:39

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Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton criticised referee Martin Atkinson after his side's 2-1 Premier League loss at Manchester City on Sunday.

Marseille loanee Hatem Ben Arfa sustained a suspected broken leg after he was challenged by the bulldozing Nigel de Jong after just five minutes at Eastlands.

Atkinson decided to take no action against the Netherlands hardman and Hughton was dismayed by the official's all-round performance.

"It does not look good," said Hughton. "He has gone to hospital and we will make an announcement in due course, but it looks like he has broken his leg.

"Everyone will have their own opinion, but it was a tackle that did not need to be made.

"When something like that happens and then to have some incredible decisions go against us it's hard to take."