BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
ROBERT SNODGRASS is strong enough to handle any criticism that comes his way after the Scotland star won a contentious penalty against Crystal Palace on Saturday, according to Hull City boss Mike Phelan.
The 29-year-old has been lambasted for diving during the breathless 3-3 draw at the KCOM Stadium following a challenge from Scott Dann.
There was clearly no contact but referee Mike Jones pointed to the spot. To add insult to injury, Snodgrass dusted himself off to convert the penalty.
Palace boss Alan Pardew accused the former Livingston man of making the official’s job impossible, while Tony Pulis and Sean Dyche have both called upon the English Premier League to follow the example of Scottish football by introducing retrospective punishment for simulation.
Amid the fallout, Phelan is adamant Snodgrass – who apologised on Twitter in the aftermath of the incident – will not be affected by being at the eye of this storm.
He told the Hull Daily Mail: “Of course he can [deal with it].
“I need a Robert Snodgrass. He has to get on with his job. He will put up with whatever comes his way. My team, my players and my staff are behind him.
“I have dealt with football players all my life, some who are blown over by the wind and some who take massive knocks, but do not got penalties.
“It will be highlighted. That is the job of pundits, the media. We possibly got lucky in that situation and I am sure Crystal Palace were aggrieved by it.
“But I am not going to argue with my player or say anything that will turn his head or make him feel down about it.”
