REFS HAVE TO PROTECT RICH
PREMIER LEAGUE Silva wants end to foul play
MARCO SILVA has pleaded for referees to offer Watford star Richarlison more protection.
The winger, 20, has become a marked man after his fine start to life in the Premier League.
But the Brazilian’s close attention from defenders means he is the most fouled player, having been chopped down 30 times already this season.
And Hornets boss Silva has called for a stop to the roughhouse treatment dished out to his £11.5m summer signing, starting against Stoke today.
He said: “We as a club and what I expect is that everyone respects and protects the player.
“I understand that he is an important player for us and defenders will give him more attention.
“What I want is the officials protecting him like they do the other players.”
Richarlison was at the centre of a dive storm after winning a hotly-contested penalty in Watford’s 2-1 win over Arsenal in their last match at Vicarage Road. But ® after escaping any FA action, Silva hopes the debate surrounding the spot-kick does not sway referees against him.
Silva added: “After the match against Arsenal, a lot of people started to speak about the boy but not in the right way. He has been excellent and deserves all the credit.
“We knew, when we signed him, that he was a player who could hold his own in the Premier League.”
A victory today will heap more pressure on Potters boss Mark Hughes.
But ‘Sparky’ is sure he will not be the fourth Premier League managerial casualty this season.
Hughes has the backing of chairman Peter Coates, despite a run of four defeats in five games that has left Stoke above the relegation zone only on goal difference. He said: “I know that Ronald Koeman lost his job (at Everton) and you look at what he said afterwards about their start to the season.
“Arguably, they had the most difficult start in the Premier League and we probably had the second most difficult start.
“You have to factor in the opposition you have played. Some teams haven’t played any opposition of that ilk. We have the ability to turn it around.”
Hughes, a manager for nearly 20 years, says is determined to silence the “noise” that has grown during their recent troubles, pointing to the fact that his team have beaten Arsenal and held Manchester United to a draw.
“There was a little bit of noise round the club, even before the season started,” Hughes said. “You’ve just got to make sure that your performances are good and get some results on the board.
“When we do that, then, the focus goes elsewhere.”