Upson's face was patched up twice at the Britannia Stadium

Gianfranco Zola was mystified as to why Robert Huth was not sent off after striking Matthew Upson in the face during West Ham's 2-1 defeat at Stoke.

Stoke's German defender appeared to punch the England centre-back while the players were waiting for a free-kick to be delivered into City's box.

Hammers boss Zola said: "Probably the referee didn't see it and that is the only justification I can give for it.

"I have looked at the video of the incident and it was a definite red."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis said he missed the incident but admitted that he would take action if necessary once he had seen a replay.

"I will have a look at it and obviously if Robert has done it we will speak to him and deal with him in-house," stated Pulis.

"There was a lot of bumping and barging but if he has done it, it is a disappointment."

Upson left the pitch with blood streaming from the wound near his right eye.

The defender had been caught in the face by a stray Ryan Shawcross boot earlier in the game and Huth's flailing right arm re-opened the wound.

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