23 Aug 2009Hodgson: FIFA and UEFA failing over foul play

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has questioned just what effect the attempts to clamp down on foul play are having on the pitch after he saw Andrew Johnson have his collarbone dislocated against Akmar Perm.

While the London club moved a step closer to the group stage of this season's Europa Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Russian side, Hodgson has stated that he would have preferred to have lost and seen his striker fit than to have him sidelined for up to eight weeks.

"The opponent quite cold-bloodedly smashed into him. That for me has really marred the game," Hodgson said.

"UEFA and FIFA are constantly trying to stop serious foul play. Obviously it's not working, because it's not being stopped," he added.

Johnson left the field of play in pain soon after giving Fulham an early lead in the European tie.

Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora, who Hodgson feels has been acting as an effective strike partner for Johnson, also scored, though Perm's substitute Vitaliy Grishin got a late away goal to give the visitors some hope in the tie ahead of the second leg.

Hodgson will now have to bring a new striker into the starting line-up for Fulham's next match, the west London derby against Chelsea.

Written by Paul Roberts

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