Malky Mackay fury at 'foul play'

Watford manager Malky Mackay has launched a scathing attack on promotion rivals Cardiff for systematically fouling Will Buckley during Saturday's 4-2 defeat.

Watford thrashed Cardiff 4-1 at Vicarage Road last month with Buckley running the show. But not this time as Mackay fumed: "Will has had 10, 12 fouls against him. His legs are black and blue. It was quite obvious he was targeted because he played so well in the first game.

"It happens in football that when someone is a threat, you just rotate the person who is going to foul them and that's what happened.

"The referee's job is to protect the players. Buckley was not protected. Cardiff like to play slow tempo and, when they get in front, time waste as much as possible."

Watford were 3-0 down before goals by Buckley and Marvin Sordell hauled them back into the game but defender Gabor Gypese wrapped up the points for Cardiff in the 83rd minute.