Stoke boss Tony Pulis criticised Jack Cork for his reaction to the challenge that earned Steven Nzonzi a red card in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Southampton and confirmed the Potters will appeal the decision.
The midfielder saw red in the 71st minute of an action-packed game for what referee Mark Clattenburg clearly thought was a dangerous, over-the-top tackle, and Cork reacted as if he had been badly hurt.
Pulis said: "I've spoken to Mark about it and he's going to have a look at it and then take a view from there. You've got to be careful what you say. It's disappointing but you have to get on with it. I was disappointed with the reaction of the player. That didn't help. I'm a great advocate for players getting up and getting on with things and that (Cork's reaction) doesn't help referees."
He went on: "Whether the reaction of Cork, who is a good player and a good lad, has influenced Mark, I'm not sure, but Steven certainly doesn't stamp on the player. There was no intent. He's actually planted his leg between his legs, which was quite clever."
Pulis was also unhappy that his side were not awarded a penalty with the score at 3-2 to the visitors when Jose Fonte appeared to handle the ball in a challenge with Kenwyne Jones, while they had another strong appeal for a later handball against Maya Yoshida.
Southampton boss Nigel Adkins was unsure about the red card but admitted Fonte was fortunate not to concede a spot-kick.
He said of the Nzonzi decision: "I was in the dugout so I couldn't tell. Obviously Jack's rolling round. The referee straight away has his red card out. I haven't seen the video.
"I'm led to believe it was a penalty. I know Tony's spitting feathers at the moment. From where I was in the dugout it did look suspicious, as though the ball had hit Jose's arm."
Substitute Cameron Jerome let fly with a stunning 30-yard volley that flew in off the underside of the bar to earn the Potters a point in a thrilling encounter.
Peter Crouch was just pipped to goal of the season last campaign by Newcastle's Papiss Cisse, and Pulis said: "At the time I thought Crouchy's was the best goal I've ever seen. I was really, really pleased to see Cameron's go in, let's say that."
Source: PA
