Blackburn edge past 10-man Hull

Feb 11, 2010 - 12:47 AM By WALTER SIMON STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Hull manager Phil Brown blasted referee Lee Probert's decision to send off Tigers captain George Boateng after his side crashed to a 1-0 defeat at relegation rivals Blackburn on Wednesday.

Boateng was shown the seventh red card of his career six minutes before half time after Probert adjudged he had elbowed Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Television replayed showed both Boateng and Pedersen led with their arms as they contested an aerial ball and the Dutchman was on the floor receiving treatment for a head injury as Probert brandished the card.

Hull were already trailing to Blackburn defender Martin Olsson's maiden Premier League goal and Boateng's dismissal dashed any hopes they had of taking a share of the points.

Brown rapped: "For me, it was a poor decision. I'm not saying the game hinged on it, but the referee reacted too quickly.

"It was a clash of heads with two players going for the ball.

"George was unconscious with a head injury and you can tell by the reaction of the players that it was impulsive.

"The word 'frivolous' has been attached to the appeals procedure, but the decision did affect the game and it could have an effect two or three games down the line if George gets a suspension.

"George can't believe it, I can't believe it, and hopefully Lee Probert will look at it and he won't be able to believe it either."

Brown learnt his managerial trade under Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce at Bolton but the home boss was in no mood for dishing out any favours.

It took Blackburn just 16 minutes to open the scoring, with a little bit of help from Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

Olsson collected Pedersen's chipped pass before cutting into the penalty area along the byline and his shot from an acute angle deflected in off Myhill's heels.

Myhill may yet be credited with an own goal but it was only thanks to the heroics of the Wales international that Blackburn did not notch up a bigger victory.

Myhill produced a brilliant reaction save to keep out Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen's first-half header before tipping Gael Givet's second half effort from point blank range onto the post.

Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt fashioned Hull's best opening after linking neatly with Jan Vennegor of Hesselink only to be denied by Paul Robinson's smart save.

The win maintains Blackburn's impressive home form and lifts them up to the lofty heights of 11th while Hull slip to fourth from bottom.

Rovers boss Allardyce said: "It's three home wins on the trot and that's a very pleasing thing.

"That's top-eight form, and here at Ewood Park we're a force to be reckoned with.

"Olsson's goal was a piece of outstanding ability, so I think it would be a shame if it was taken off him.

"He has lots of ability and he has now learned to use it now to great effect.

"Technically, Boateng's offence was a red - but, for me, it wasn't intentional."