Brentford boss says Preston's Jordan Hugill could have been sent off for Nico Yennaris collision

After scoring the opener in the Bees’ 3-2 win the midfielder received eight minutes of treatment at the end of the first half after the coming together that many perceived to be accidental.

MATCH REPORT: PNE 2-3 BrentfordSmith however felt Hugill could have done more to avoid connecting with the former Arsenal youngster, who he revealed post-match was okay, as he raced to charge the ball down at the restart after Sean Maguire had levelled the game up at 1-1.

“I didn't see it but when you look back I believe it's a possible red card,” sent the Brentford manager.

“He could have got out of the way but dipped his shoulder into Nico's head.

“I think he's trying to block him but ended up catching him on the side of the face and knocking him out.

“It's an unfortunate incident but he's okay which is the positive thing.”

PNE boss Alex Neil admitted he wanted to watch the incident back but was confident Hugill was free from any blame.

“I haven’t seen it as yet but what I’m hearing is that the lad has run into him,” he said.

“I think (Brentford midfielder) Ryan Woods even came to the side of the pitch and indicated that.

“I don’t think there was any malice in it whatsoever.

“I will have a look at it though and if there is then that will be disappointing but I don’t expect there to be.

“I know Jordan, he’s a good lad. He’s not there to try and hurt anybody.

“He’s there to try and press the ball and if the lad’s turned and run into him he’s a big lump to run into.”