Hughton: Ref was spot on

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton says referee Kevin Wright got the important decisions right in his side’s 2-0 win over Leicester on Sunday.

Wright had been the match’s fourth official, but had to take to the pitch at St Andrews when referee Graham Salisbury was forced off with a calf injury at half-time.

And he did not have to wait long to be in the thick of the action, awarding a penalty to Birmingham three minutes into the second half when Andy King brought down Jean Beausejour.

Marlon King stepped up to slot it home, and six minutes later Wright was again the centre of attention when he dismissed Leicester skipper Matt Mills for a poor tackle on Morgaro Gomis.

Chris Wood made Birmingham’s numerical advantage count six minutes from the end, and Hughton said referee Wright had been correct with both his calls.

“There was certainly contact (for the penalty),” Hughton said. “Jean is a strong personality and if he thinks there’s an opportunity to go through and score he’s not one who likes to go down too easily.”

“I presume if there’s contact, and it’s in the box, then it’s the right decision.”

“(Regarding Mills’ dismssal) both feet are definitely off the ground when the challenge is made.”

“Everyone will look at it over the next couple of days and have an opinion, but both feet are off the ground and generally these days if that happens then it is a red card.”