Southampton boss Mark Hughes has admitted that he was surprised to see Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny have his red card overturned.
The Egyptian midfielder was sent off against the Saints last weekend, moments after Jack Stephens was given his marching orders, and is now serving a three match ban.
Elneny however, had his ban overturned after Arsenal lodged an appeal, meaning he is once again available for selection.
Talking about Elneny’s successful appeal, Hughes said;
I think after the events of last weekend and obviously we accepted our punishment. Jack had a reaction and he was punished for that.
There were other reactions and people involved that don’t seem to be treated in the same way in my view.
Elneny raised his hands to an opposition player’s face. In the letter of the law he should have gone.
For them to appeal that and it to be rescinded surprised me to be perfectly honest.
There were other incidents as well where there needs to be continuity and consistency with the referee’s decision making and it seems to be at odds with what you would expect in certain situations.
Stephens was sent off for shoving Jack Wilshere to the ground, and Hughes said after the game that he felt the Arsenal midfielder should also have gone too. He continued;
It’s a bit galling as he was the instigator of the whole thing so that doesn’t sit comfortably but it is what it is.
We were disappointed not because we want to punish other players unless it’s warranted but it needs to be like for like.
