Hughes fumes at ref after win denied
Walsall skipper Mark Hughes reckons referee David Webb robbed the Saddlers of a first home win for six months against Swindon on Saturday.
The defender conceded an 80th minute penalty to allow Billy Paynter to equalise Troy Deeney's opener in the 1-1 draw.
Paynter had already hit the post from the spot after being fouled by Darryl Westlake and Hughes, who handled Tope Obadeyi's cross, is adamant Webb made a mistake in awarding the second penalty.
He said: "I thought he was wrong. I didn't think I could get out the way, if someone smashes the ball at you from two yards what can you do?
"It was harsh, because I couldn't really get out of the way. I slid in and the referee said 'you're arms were up' but I said 'you can't slide with your arms by your side.'
"They scored it, we huffed and puffed at the end, but the positive is we haven't lost the game."
The 22-year-old also felt the Durham official was trying to atone for an earlier error, when he rejected strong penalty claims from Swindon after Westlake tumbled with Lloyd Macklin in the box.
Hughes said: "Because he didn't give one a few minutes before, I think he was trying to even it up.
"Westy says he didn't touch him, but usually the referees like to even if up and it was a tad harsh."
