Hughes hints at 'Big Four' ref justice

Mark Hughes says Man City's bid to break into the Premier League's top four could be hindered by referees favouring the 'big four'.

The Eastlands chief, who has been backed by the millions of City's owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, is looking to guide his side into the top-four Champions League places this term and break the long-term monopoly of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

However Hughes feels City, along with clubs like Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, must also overcome an element of assistance given to the top four clubs by match officials if they are going to be successful.

Ahead of City's visit of Fulham on Sunday, Hughes told the Daily Mirror: "You have to be careful because you cannot go around questioning the integrity of people trying to do their jobs.

"But if you are talking about games involving Liverpool, United, Chelsea and Arsenal, they are big games with huge profiles and if decisions are incorrect, there are consequences. Key decisions become hugely significant.

"Maybe there's a different mindset with the top four. They have had the benefit of a high profile over a long period and there is maybe a bit of gravitas in that.

"Maybe there's also a bit of reverence from the powers that be in terms of their relationship with the personality involved in those clubs.

"The referees don't exactly get sucked in to it, but it's there. It's not tangible - you can't grab hold of it - but there is something out there and that is another thing we have to break down."

Punters who feel City's wealth can help them overcome their more illustrious opponents can use their free bet to back the blue half of Manchester for a top-four finish or a possible title push this season.