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'Maybe that's why they're not in the World Cup this year': Mark Hughes bemoans standard of Premier League officiating after Marcos Alonso tackle on Shane Long goes unpunished in Chelsea win over Southampton

Mark Hughes has called for Marcos Alonso to race retrospective punishment for a challenge on Shane Long in Southampton's 3-2 loss to Chelsea.

Saints boss Hughes hit out at the standard of Premier League refereeing with a dig over English officials being snubbed for the summer's World Cup.

The former Chelsea striker insisted Alonso should have been sent off for his studs-up tackle on Long at St Mary's Stadium, where the Blues hit three goals in an eight-minute victory blitz.

Spain defender Alonso avoided any sanction for the challenge and a suspension could rule him out of Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final rematch with Saints on April 22.