Mark Hughes has admitted that he was concerned for Marko Arnautovic's safety following the West Ham United forward's antics against former club Stoke City.
The Austria international saluted home supporters after scoring the second of the Hammers' three goals on Saturday afternoon, having been on the end of plenty of taunts.
Stoke boss Hughes was unhappy with Arnautovic's conduct at the bet365 Stadium, claiming that the 28-year-old - who handed in a transfer request to force a move between the clubs - should have simply taken the abuse in his stride.
"There was a little bit of baiting obviously, but did he not expect that?" he told reporters. "I had better be careful because it sounds like sour grapes but I think he should have risen above any criticism or abuse that he had.
"He had enough at other places, and this place was actually very, very good for him. The fans loved him here. So to burn all your bridges after just one game, he didn't need to do it. He was doing all sorts by the end and did well to get back to the dressing room safely."
West Ham's 3-0 win lifted them above their opponents and into 15th place in the Premier League table.
Daniel Lewis
