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Hughes: Red card didn't help us

21/10/2008

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has claimed his side's cause was not helped by the early and controversial sending off of Newcastle United's Habib Beye.

Despite playing more than 75 minutes of last night's match at St James' Park with a man advantage, City could only manage a 2-2 draw with the Magpies, courtesy of Stephen Ireland's late equaliser.

And afterwards, the former Blackburn boss claimed the referee's decision helped unite the players and fans of the home side behind a feeling of injustice.

"The sending off was probably a hindrance for us in the end," he told Setanta.

"We didn't take advantage [of the extra man] and the crowd got behind them."

Overall, Hughes said he was "disappointed" his team failed to capitalise on playing against ten men.

"It was a game we were in complete control of, certainly in the opening period," he continued.

"I thought we were excellent.

"But in the second half we didn't take hold of the game the way we should have and in the end we were grateful for a point."

Hughes also reserved special praise for City's opponents, who remain entrenched in the relegation zone with only one win in their opening eight matches of the Premier League season.

"They worked extremely hard and they'll be pleased with their point," Hughes added.

"I expected a reaction, they're fighting for their lives. The crowd here demands they work really hard and they certainly did that."