Van Persie "conned" Hutton into getting sent off, fumes McLeish
Published 22:30 22/12/11 By James Nursey
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish reckons Alan Hutton was “conned” by Robin van Persie after he saw red for a rash quick-fire double booking.
Villa lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal on Wednesday in the Premier League.
Scottish international right-back Hutton, 27, is now suspended for the Boxing Day clash at Stoke after being sent off for two bookable offences.
He was booked for a foul on Van Persie and then sent off by referee Jonathan Moss in injury-time for a second yellow on Thomas Vermaelen.
And McLeish is fuming after believing Hutton fell victim to a cynical wind-up by Arsenal’s in-form striker Van Persie.
McLeish, who will fine the defender, said: “Hutton’s suspension has been a blow. He has apologised and he also texted me and was apologetic.
“Although it didn’t cost us the game, it was a shame to see him get sent off after such a good performance.
“Van Persie waved at him in the tunnel - they conned him. Alan was conned and he should be experienced enough to just laugh in their face and just walk away.
“Maybe the Arsenal player lured him into it but I didn’t think he would get conned like that.”
Despite his frustration, McLeish is not upset with Van Persie’s gamesmanship, but believes Villa defender Hutton should have shown more discipline.
McLeish added: “If you are winding someone up and they get sent off and you have reduced the opposition’s resources and your team wins then you’ve done a good job.
“I think you’ve got to do what you can for your team. It is being streetwise.
“I speak about discipline every week in my team talk: don’t waste energy on the referee, don’t waste energy fighting opponents.
“Save it for the game and defending the ball.”
But McLeish was pleased to reveal striker Darren Bent is back in training and should be fit to face Stoke after two games out.
And Villa also hope to have James Collins and Emile Heskey available for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.
Robin van Persie on scoring goals, breaking records and why Arsenal are still in the title race
