Hughes has tackling issues

MARK HUGHES yesterday accused some players of putting their fellow professionals’ health at risk with the kind of reckless tackling the Fulham boss believes has crept into the game.

This season has seen a spate of controversial challenges in the Barclays Premier League, with the past week no exception.

Fulham’s Clint Dempsey was the victim of the latest of them on Wednesday night when Chelsea’s Michael Essien was sent off for a two-footed lunge on the United States midfielder.

As a player renowned for his physical approach to the game, former Manchester United striker Hughes may seem to some as the last person qualified to condemn reckless tackling.

But the 47-year-old insisted today there was a major difference between his heyday and the modern game.

“The game’s faster, they’re bigger athletes,” said Hughes.

“The collisions, if they’re mistimed or premeditated, then the consequences of that on an opposing player can be dire and significant.

“Just lately, you sense some of the tackles are a little bit reckless and that can put other professionals at risk.”