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Hughes and Jol left fuming after Ewood battle

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes was unimpressed by referee Phil Dowd's performance
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes was unimpressed by referee Phil Dowd's performance

Rival managers Mark Hughes and Martin Jol rounded on referee Phil Dowd after today's controversial Barclays Premiership draw at Ewood Park.

Blackburn Rovers boss Hughes wants a meeting with referees' chief Keith Hackett - while Tottenham Hotspur coach Jol was furious at being ordered from the dugout late on.

Rovers took the lead thanks to a superb 25-yard volley from Tugay. But the former Turkey playmaker was later red-carded, adjudged to have brought down Hossam Ghaly.

Jermain Defoe equalised from the penalty spot - but Ghaly was dismissed later for appearing to elbow Michael Gray, leading to Jol's outburst at Dowd.

Hughes was livid over the seventh penalty awarded against his side this season. He will appeal against Tugay's red card.

He said: 'It is important we highlight these things to the powers-that-be. Performance level is what we are all about - players, management and referees.

'Their performance has to be of the required standard. I do not think Mr Dowd would have been proud of his performance.

'We have to try and establish why we seem to be getting these decisions against us - and I hope things will change.'

Hughes was disbelieving of today's decision.

He said: 'At the moment it is hurting us. Tugay did not make any contact. The guy lost his footing and has gone over. The referee is in a decent position to make a decision himself.

'We asked to speak to his assistant, because we think he is going to over-rule him. He comes back and ends up sending him off. We are scratching our heads.'

Hughes felt his team should have had a penalty when Mido appeared to handle in the area, after Defoe's equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

The Blackburn boss said: 'The assistant is 15 yards away, and I am 120 yards away. I saw it - and everyone else did.

'Mido actually admitted to our lads that he had handled the ball. These are big decisions that have a direct effect on the outcome of the game. On too many occasions this season it has it happened to us.'

Jol intends to appeal about his dismissal - and felt Ghaly was unlucky to get a red card.

The Spurs boss said: 'I know Hossam never used his elbow. He misjudged it. It was never intentional. The referee reacted to the crowd, who were crying out for a red card.

'I told him [the referee] he was totally wrong.

"He said 'You can go as well'. He was a bit emotional. It was the first red card of my coaching career. I was not abusive to him - afterwards maybe."

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