Premier League: Stoke boss Mark Hughes defends Victor Moses over 'cheat' accusation from Swansea boss
Thursday 23 October 2014 18:15, UK
Stoke manager Mark Hughes has given his full backing to Victor Moses amid accusations the winger dived to win a penalty against Swansea last weekend.
Moses was labelled "a cheat" by furious Swansea boss Garry Monk after he went to ground in a challenge with Angel Rangel shortly before half-time on Sunday, and referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty.
Victor is a very strong-minded player and he will get on with the business of playing well for Stoke City.
Charlie Adam put away the spot-kick and Jonathan Walters fired a 76th-minute winner for the Potters, and Monk later insisted Moses "should be done for diving, for cheating", and that he "should be ashamed of himself".
But as the furore over the incident continues to hit the headlines, Hughes believes the 23-year-old midfielder will not let the row affect his form.
"Victor's a strong character anyway," said Hughes. "You need to recognise when these things are levelled against you, and I thought it (Monk's comment) was unjust and not correct.
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"We've discussed that at length, but Victor is a very strong-minded player and he will get on with the business of playing well for Stoke City which he is doing to a great standard at the moment.
"I am really delighted with what he has produced.
"I just hope this week of discussion and debate isn't going to shape people's view of him because what was levelled at him was incorrect."
Hughes insisted Moses had no case to answer as he felt there was contact between him and Rangel which led to the penalty.
"The only thing was he said he felt contact, he was impeded, just as I thought," Hughes added.
"Having seen pictures that verified that was the case, I've no reason to speak any further with him."
Hughes also hit out at the post-match assessment of Monk, who has been asked by the Football Association to explain his comments about Moses and the match officials.
He said: "It's right the FA have asked for Garry's comments.
"I made my feelings plain after the game, we have a strongly-held view, and it's now up to the FA as to whether they want to take it any further. It will be their decision.
"But it's fair to say we were disappointed. Garry's a very articulate young man, and maybe on this occasion he used the wrong word. That can happen.
"Obviously the FA will take a view on it and we will leave it to them."
