Chris Hughton has come out fighting in the debate over ‘anti-football’ by insisting it’s unfair for managers of smaller clubs to be hit with the insult, writes Chris Hatherall.
Hughton got a taste of football’s growing snobbery for teams who park the bus when fellow Spurs legend Tim Sherwood slammed Brighton ’s negative tactics in a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham in midweek.
Chelsea defender David Luiz also used ‘anti football’ to describe Burnley ’s display in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
But Brighton boss Hughton, battling to save his club from relegation, has delivered a passionate response.
He said: “I don’t think there’s such a thing as anti-football - I don’t see it.
David Luiz accuses Burnley of anti-football due to 'time-wasting tactics'
“Any derogatory remarks are very, very unfair to those very good managers who have to get results in a different way.”
Brighton haven’t scored a goal in seven games but did draw 0-0 at Wolves – and held Spurs to the same scoreline until an 88th winner from Christian Eriksen.
So, crucially, they face Newcastle tomorrow still above the drop zone.
Hughton added: “What we would all love is to have the best players and the biggest finances to be able to play in a way that is expansive with strikers who can score at will.
“But the game is made up of favourites and underdogs. Big, big favourites and big, big underdogs
“When you Are in a game where the bookies have you so far behind, then you tactically have to figure out a way of getting a result.
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“That means you sometimes have to make sure you are solid, not conceding, and play on the break
“However football changes over the next 20 years, I promise you that will stay the same.
“We can’t let it affect us. Pundits on television are asked questions and give answers. That doesn’t mean it’s right.”
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