Mark Hughes "dumbfounded" by referee's performance

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has said that he was left "dumbfounded" by referee Martin Atkinson as his side lost 5-1 to Newcastle United.

The Potters had two men sent off in a game where Hughes himself was also sent to the stands, and the Welshman said that Atkinson's performance was not of the required standard.

"People say he's one of the best referees in the league, and he's performed worse than the standard required today," he told Sky Sports News.

"We're dumbstruck by the performance of the referee, unfortunately. I'm dismayed by his performance. When you're on a yellow card you have to be careful, but Glenn Whelan is just as bemused as everybody.

"Apparently, he said that Glenn kicked the ball away, which bemuses me as Yohan Cabaye went over the top and Glenn reacted. Two minutes later he receives the second. An experienced referee should get the two players together and tell them to calm down."

The defeat leaves Hughes's side 10th in the Premier League table.