QPR’s Mark Hughes on Ashley Young debate: Most players dive

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes has stated his belief that “most players dive” after being questioned over the furore surrounding Manchester United’s Ashley Young at his weekly news briefing on Friday.

Hughes’ side felt aggrieved when QPR defender Shaun Derry was sent off in the 14th minute after making minimal contact with United winger Young in the London outfit’s 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford just under a fortnight ago.

The England international won United another penalty in the Red Devils’ next home game against Aston Villa, allowing Wayne Rooney to put Sir Alex Ferguson’s side ahead in the seventh minute – the defending champions went on to win 4-0.

But Hughes does not believe diving is a recent development. “Some players are more adept at it but you could argue that in certain circumstances most players dive and that happened during my time,” said Hughes.

“I think if it is to draw the attention of the referee to a foul by emphasising the point then you can’t argue that that is a valid situation, but when you’re actually pretending you’ve been fouled then that is a different issue.

“You have to understand that these things happen in split seconds and referees have to make a judgement based on what they see – but players are arguably making it more difficult than they should do.”

Earlier on Friday, Ferguson admitted he had spoken to former Watford midfielder Young about last Sunday’s incident.

“If [Villa’s Ciaran Clark] doesn’t bring him down Ashley’s going to score,” Ferguson told a news conference on Friday.

“It was a clear goalscoring opportunity and he did catch him.

“I’m not sure Ashley tried to get the penalty kick but he certainly went down quickly. I’ve had a word with Ashley and he understands where we’re coming from. Hopefully it makes a difference.”