Defenders will pay penalty

PEP GUARDIOLA and Mark Hughes last night warned Premier League defenders to be on their guard after a crazy day of penalty drama.

Man City beat Stoke 4-1 at the bet365 Stadium to keep themselves level at the top with bitter rivals Man United.

But it was referee Mike Dean who stole the headlines by enforcing new directives aimed at cutting out grappling in the box.

The Wirral official firstly pointed to the spot in the 26th minute when Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross grabbed Nicolas Otamendi at a corner.

And then he evened things up in the second half by penalising Raheem Sterling’s far-post block on Shawcross. Stunned City boss Guardiola said: “We have to be careful although I don’t know what will happen in six months with these decisions.

“It was a little bit strange and I am sure Mark will say the same. All teams have to be careful with these kind of actions. But I am not a guy who likes to complain.”

Hughes echoed those thoughts while claiming Dean loves to be the star attraction in matches.

The Stoke boss said: “The debate will be about the ref and the penalties. Certain teams get penalised, that’s fine as long as it’s consistent. Usually it isn’t.

“Mike is one of the more high-profile refs – so maybe he enjoys that centre of attention.”

HARRY PRATT