Hughes criticises ref after Stephen Ireland needs stitches for "shocking" tackle

Mark Hughes has criticised Premier League referees after Stephen Ireland was injured by a "shocking" tackle.

Hughes's Stoke beat Hull City 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium thanks to a Peter Crouch header, but the manager was less than impressed by the performance of referee Neil Swarbrick.

"I'm disappointed with performance of the officials. There was a tackle in the first half on Stephen Ireland which could have finished his career. Why the referee hasn't given a straight red I've no idea," said Hughes, according to BBC Sport.

"It was a shocking challenge. The day been soured by it. He has a slice on his calf and has needed 12 or 15 stitches. He's in a bad way.

"The referees got to get their act together. I think officials find it very difficult to get the key decision rights."

Stoke City are 10th in the Premier League after this result, while Hull are 15th.