Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has criticised Southampton midfielder Jack Cork's reaction to a challenge that saw Steven Nzonzi sent off in this afternoon's match between the two sides.
The Potters fought back from 3-1 down to clinch a 3-3 draw in second-half stoppage time, but their task was made even harder when Mark Clattenburg dismissed Nzonzi for a dangerous tackle 20 minutes from time.
Cork went down as if he had been badly hurt, a reaction that disappointed Pulis, who believes that the midfielder should have just got on with the match and let the referee make up his own mind.
"I've spoken to Mark about it and he's going to have a look at it and then take a view from there. You've got to be careful what you say. It's disappointing but you have to get on with it," said Pulis.
"I was disappointed with the reaction of the player. That didn't help. I'm a great advocate for players getting up and getting on with things and that (Cork's reaction) doesn't help referees.
"Whether the reaction of Cork, who is a good player and a good lad, has influenced Mark, I'm not sure, but Steven certainly doesn't stamp on the player. There was no intent. He's actually planted his leg between his legs, which was quite clever."
The result leaves Stoke eighth in the Premier League table, while Southampton are one point off safety in 18th place.
Barney Corkhill
