Manchester City boss Mark Hughes believes Hull counterpart Phil Brown has been unfairly criticised for last season's halftime blast held on the Eastlands pitch.

Hull return to the stadium today for the first time since the incident.

"Phil obviously felt it was something he needed to do," said Hughes. "If it had got the desired reaction it would have been viewed as a masterstroke.

"But it didn't turn around the game and as a consequence it has been thrown back at him more times than he would have wanted.

"Half-time is one of those periods when a manager can have an influence and I do not believe you should be criticised for taking a different approach."