Last updated on .From the section Football

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has urged Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor to crack down on what he sees as play-acting.

Pulis accused David Meyler of trying to get Robert Huth sent off in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League loss to Sunderland.

"It is something I think Gordon Taylor and the PFA should really get to grips with," said the Stoke manager.

"The disappointing thing for me is - and it's become more ingrained in the game - is the reaction of the player."

Pulis suggested that he would appeal Huth's dismissal at a snowy Britannia Stadium, which came on the brink of half-time, with the game still poised at 0-0.

Sunderland went on to secure the three points through James McClean's second-half strike.

"Robert slides in but actually doesn't touch the player," added Pulis.

"I think it's a disease that's coming into the game where players roll around and they're looking to see if they can get people booked or sent off.

"The game is difficult enough for the referees because of the pace and tempo at which it is played.

"Then you get situations when players are falling around and rolling around when they have not even been touched.

"Really and truthfully the player is trying to get the player sent off."

In contrast, Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill said he was not surprised to see Huth dismissed.

"I haven't seen it back," said O'Neill. "But my initial view was that I thought it looked as if it was going to be a red card.

"Given the new directives that the referees have been given, I thought it looked that way. But I'm sure Tony will probably disagree."