Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has slammed the performance of referee Kevin Friend during his side's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace this afternoon.

Two second-half goals from Dwight Gayle saw Crystal Palace come from behind to pick up just their second win in their last 20 games, securing their Premier League survival in the process.

However, Hughes believes that the referee played a big part in the result and labelled the official's performance as one of his worst ever.

"The referee gave them an easy free kick, which seemed to be what he wanted to do today, to be perfectly honest," Hughes told reporters.

"I thought his performance was very poor - he is an experienced referee - and I thought from start to finish that was arguably the worst I've seen him referee a game.

"I felt he was reluctant to get clear decisions right and he has had a bad performance. I have had games where I have had bad performances and I would like to think he'd be honest and admit that he had one as well."

Stoke, who are now winless in their last six games, finish their season at home to West Ham United next weekend.