Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has shrugged off criticism from fans after their thrashing by Chelsea.

Hughes admitted selecting a team with an eye on their clash with Newcastle United.

“That's their decision," he said of Stoke fans pictured leaving Stamford Bridge early. “That doesn't help us. We would love them to stay and get behind us and hope for a change in fortune, but at 2-0 could we see a way back? Probably not.

“It's probably an honest decision from them, but if they've paid their money you'd think they'd stay to the conclusion, but I'd never criticise our fans who turned out in numbers again.

“They saw a committed performance, albeit one that was never going to question the ability of Chelsea to win the game because Chelsea had too much power and pace."