Mark Hughes has taken a swipe at Arsenal’s social media following by claiming they created a “witch hunt” for Charlie Adam to be banned for an alleged stamp on Alexis Sanchez.

Adam escaped an FA charge of violent conduct, despite it being referred to a three-man disciplinary panel, after the referee missed the incident.

However, there was widespread condemnation from Arsenal fans on the internet who called for Adam to be banned and Hughes admitted he would have been “absolutely astounded” had the three-man panel found his midfielder guilty.

“Whenever these things happen and you go up against the top clubs, because of the presence social media it becomes something of a witch-hunt and suddenly people are shouting from the rooftops that we need retrospective action,” said Hughes.

“It’s a little bit unfair, our presence isn't as great as theirs and sometimes that can influence them.

“When you see the slow motion, frame by frame, people jump up and down, but in real time the lad has fallen across Charlie's path and he hasn't had time to take evasive action.

“In real time you wouldn’t have noticed it, I’m sure Charlie didn’t realise he’d made contact.

“Charlie gets the type of press that people feel he deserves, but we have a completely different view. He has an unwarranted reputation. Charlie is a player who’s got respect for the game in my view.

“He was my captain at the weekend, and there’s a reason behind that because he loves football and goes to matches. His understanding of the game is really high.”

Hughes also suggested Arsene Wenger could have received retrospective action for pushing the fourth official during the game.

The Welshman was fined £8,000 for leaving his technical area earlier this season, while Jose Mourinho was handed a £10,000 fine for kicking a water bottle, and Hughes thought Wenger was lucky to get away without any action.

“Maybe Arsene was trying to protect his ‘personal space’, but hands-on an official is always a little bit dangerous in my view - I know this to my cost!” Hughes added.