BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes launched a stinging attack on the match officials after Aston Villa were controversially awarded a penalty during Rovers' 2-0 defeat at Villa Park yesterday.

Hughes was incensed when referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot on the advice of one of his assistants after a 40th-minute cross from Villa striker Chris Sutton appeared to strike the shoulder of Rovers defender Andre Ooijer.

Villa skipper Gareth Barry promptly smashed the resulting penalty past Brad Friedel, and Juan Pablo Angel then added a second for Villa five minutes into the second half.

However, Hughes felt the outcome of the game hinged on the penalty decision, and his sense of injustice was further exacerbated by the fact Webb failed to point to the spot when Stiliyan Petrov committed a similar offence in the act of blocking a Morten Gamst Pedersen free kick.

"We think the penalty is a poor decision from the referee and his assistant," blasted the Rovers boss.

"At that time, we were quite comfortable in the game and Villa hadn't really caused us that many problems.

"Although we never got to the level we needed to in the first 45 minutes, we were looking to get to half-time and have a real go in the second half.

"But to concede the penalty, and under those circumstances, was a big decision for the referee, and referees are paid to get big decisions right. He didn't get that one right.

"The galling thing from our point of view is there was another incident involving Petrov from our free kick "He made a movement to the ball with his elbow. It struck his elbow but the referee didn't give that one. I would question why he didn't.

"I asked the assistant when he came off if he was sure he had got the decision right (for Villa's penalty).

"I'm not quite sure how I can describe his reaction.

"Whether he was a bit non-plussed by the fact I actually questioned his decision or not, I don't know.

"Things happen quickly. I understand that, but most people on the ground thought it was a harsh decision.

"The only guy who thought it was a penalty was the assistant referee."

Even Villa manager Martin O'Neill admitted Webb could have awarded a penalty against Petrov, particularly after giving the one against Ooijer.

He said: "I have seen the penalty again and I also saw the incident where Petrov was involved.

"If you give one, you probably have to give the other one.

"Some people said it was a very soft penalty but I have seen them given.

"Then again if that is the case, Petrov's is the same from the free-kick."

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