Hughes rages over Alonso’s studs-up tackle

Joe Williams

Mark Hughes has called for Marcos Alonso to race retrospective punishment for a challenge on Shane Long in Southampton’s 3-2 loss to Chelsea.

Saints boss Hughes hit out at the standard of Premier League refereeing with a dig over English officials being snubbed for the summer’s World Cup.

The former Chelsea striker insisted Alonso should have been sent off for his studs-up tackle on Long at St Mary’s Stadium, where the Blues hit three goals in an eight-minute victory blitz.

Spain defender Alonso avoided any sanction for the challenge and a suspension could rule him out of Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final rematch with Saints on April 22.

“It was a poor challenge, it should have been a red card in my view,” said Hughes of the tackle.

“The disappointment was the officials didn’t see it, they were all within a 10 to 15 metre radius. One of them should have seen it.

“It was a poor tackle, and one that could have been more severe for Shane.

“Thankfully he’s just about okay, but he’s been raked down the calf.

“Chelsea down to 10 men, it could have put a different complexion on things.

“Referees have got to get them right – maybe that’s why they’re not in the World Cup this year.

“You’ve seen Shane for years and years, he’s an honest player, he doesn’t go down unless he’s injured.

“He was really angry after the game because it was a poor challenge.

“I don’t think he was booked, so maybe people need to look at that again, retrospectively.

“We’re not here to accuse people, and no sour grapes, but a decision needs to be made on that because it’s not acceptable.”