Mark Hughes on handshake spat: Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini lacked sincerity

EPL,Mark Hughes,Fulham,Manchester City vs Fulham

Related Links

Teams

Players

By Greg Stobart at Eastlands

Fulham manager Mark Hughes revealed he snapped at Roberto Mancini because he felt the Manchester City boss ‘lacked sincerity’ when the two shook hands.

Hughes was at Eastlands on Sunday for the first time since he was dismissed by City in December 2009 and replaced by Mancini.

The Welshman shouted at Mancini and made a dismissive gesture because he was offended when the City boss refused to look him in the eye after the 1-1 draw between the sides.

Hughes explained after the game that he was willing to take responsibility for the incident but said he felt Mancini was being disrespectful to the Cottagers after an impressive away performance.

Hughes said: “It’s probably my fault. I’m a little bit old fashioned. I think you have to offer your hand with sincerity regardless of the circumstances.

“I was beaten 4-1 by Roberto at our place [in November] but I offered my hand and acknowledged they were the better team.

“I don’t think the manner of his handshake did justice to the performance and effort of my players.”

When told that Mancini had suggested Hughes had refused to make eye contact during the game in November, Hughes responded: “I don’t recall doing that. I think he’s incorrect.”

Hughes was delighted that Damien Duff’s 48th minute strike earned Fulham a deserved point after Mario Balotelli had fired City into a 26th minute lead.

He added: “I enjoyed the performance from my team. We were excellent from start to finish and really took the game to City.

“The only disappointment is that we didn’t go on and take the three points our performance merited.

“Today we restricted very good players to very few opportunities. We kept Carlos Tevez quiet and that takes a lot from City’s game.

“City are a fantastic club. It was nice to come back – I’ve not been at the ground since I was sacked.

“To come here and give a good performance was really important for a lot of people.”