Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross has admitted Brighton's Glenn Murray had a valid penalty shout in Monday's eventful 2-2 draw at the Amex Stadium.
Goals from Pascal Gross and record signing Jose Izquierdo cancelled out strikes from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Kurt Zouma to extend promoted Albion's unbeaten run to five matches.
However, Brighton were incensed when Shawcross tripped Murray in the box in the first half, only for referee Lee Mason to refuse them what looked a clear spot kick.
And Shawcross himself confessed it "probably was a penalty," with Brighton boss Chris Hughton adding: "I was just waiting for the referee to give it.
"We were really, really disappointed with that.''
However, City boss Mark Hughes saw things differently.
"My initial reaction was that he [Murray] splayed his legs to get some contact,'' he said.
"Ryan was within his rights to shepherd the ball out, the lad wasn't going to get on the end of it.
"I thought the referee did well and wasn't swayed by the crowd. It was a good decision.''
Hughes said of the result: "My initial reaction is tinged with disappointment.
"Any away point gained is a good result usually, but having got into a winning position twice that's where the disappointment lies.
"The goals were avoidable, I didn't feel Brighton created anything of real significance. We'll take a point but maybe with a slight hint of disappointment as well.''
Hughton, meanwhile, admitted his Brighton side are still learning about life in the Premier League after they twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Stoke.
Hughton said: "We have to be realistic, we weren't at our best, we made errors for the goals, but these things will happen against good teams.
"Credit to the players, you had a Stoke team who at times were very happy to defend their own half.
"We learned a bit today against a good, solid, manly team. We are learning''
