Stoke City plan official Martin Atkinson complaint

Stoke City will make an official complaint about the performance of referee Martin Atkinson during their 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

Atkinson has faced criticism from Stoke boss Mark Hughes, whom he sent to the stands, for dismissing both Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson.

The club's chairman Peter Coates has now said that Stoke will be looking to make a complaint to the relevant authorities about the referee's performance.

"The performance of the referee and his officials was a disgrace, and we will certainly be complaining to the relevant authorities," said Coates, according to The Telegraph.

"We cannot accept what happened to us at Newcastle without making some form of representation. It's then up to the officials what they do, but we found it hugely disappointing because there were so many poor decisions."

Stoke currently find themselves in 12th position in the Premier League table.