Mark Hughes Blames ‘Harsh Penalty’ After Seventh Consecutive Manchester City Draw

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes admitted he was disappointed after watching his side held yet again at Eastlands.

Despite taking the lead in the match through Shaun Wright-Phillips, the Citizens had to settle for a point after Jimmy Bullard equalised from the penalty spot late on.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, the City boss admitted he was confused about the penalty award and was not sure why it had been given.

“Obviously were looking to get back to winning ways and we haven’t been able to do that,” he explained.

“We are a little bit confused about the award of penalty, we are not quite sure what the referee has given it for. I think the initial thought from everybody in the ground was that it was for a handball. Clearly it wasn’t and by all accounts the referee is now saying that it’s for a foul.

“It’s a harsh penalty from our point of view. Obviously we got into a winning position again and that’s the disappointment for us. We need to see these games out.”

Yet despite his disappointment the Citizen paid tribute to the visitors and praised their work rate in particular.

“I thought we pressed and it was difficult. Credit to Hull they work exceptionally hard and get a lot of people behind the ball and made it difficult for us,” he added.

“The referee has obviously stepped in to play a part and they get back on level terms. So we are disappointed once again.”

Despite having failed to win in the league since September, Hughes remained defiant about this side’s title chances.

“We are still very much in touch at the top of the league,” concluded the Welshman.

“We keep going because we have a big week ahead of us, a [League Cup] quarter final on Wednesday and obviously looking to progress in that competition.”