• Premier League

Whitehead blames Murphy for Stoke strife

ESPN staff
November 4, 2010
Stoke City's tactics have attracted criticism © PA Photos
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Dean Whitehead believes that Danny Murphy's controversial comments, which suggested that Stoke City are too aggressive in their approach, have meant that the Potters are not being given the benefit of the doubt by referees.

Fulham captain Murphy took a swipe at Stoke when he said that manager Tony Pulis was "sending [them] out to stop other teams playing". Now Whitehead, who has seen a series of decision go against his club in recent games, insists that Stoke are being unfairly treated.

"Danny Murphy's comments have highlighted us as a club. It put is in the spotlight and you get labelled. It's plain to see we aren't getting the decisions."

Stoke have slumped to a run of three consecutive defeats - a worrying sequence that they will hope to bring to an end when they face Sunderland this weekend - but Whitehead is not unduly concerned. "We weren't outplayed in any of the games we lost," he said. "A decision here or there and you'd be talking about a different outcome."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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