CHRIS SAMBA misses the next two matches through suspension after being sent off at Stoke - and manager Sam Allardyce reckons the big defender could be coming in for unfair treatment by referees because of his size.

"Our biggest blow this week is the very unfortunate sending off of Chris Samba and losing him for two important games," said Big Sam.

"It was an unjust decision, especially when you see some of the tackles that were going on around the Premier League at the weekend that were unpunished.

"Then you see Chris being unfairly treated. I've heard research about big players being booked more than the smaller players and that is certainly going to go against Chris if that is true because he is 6' 5" and he can't hide anywhere.

"So it is a great shame for us, but it is one we have to overcome. We managed it before after he got sent off at Villa - we managed a win against Wigan - so we have to do that again against an in-form Hull City side on Wednesday."

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