Sheffield Wednesday match-winner Fernandio Forestieri says Huddersfield Town skipper Mark Hudson “nearly broke his knee” during the Championship derby at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Centre-back Hudson, having already been booked for a first-half foul on the frontman, was taken off by boss David Wagner after being spoken to by referee Iain Williamson following another challenge.

Controversial Forestieri, who has often been accused of gamesmanship and went on to seal Wednesday’s 1-0 win with his 14th goal of the season, said Hudson should have been sent off in the 55th minute.

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“I know we need to help the referees as well but he nearly broke my knee,” said Argentina-born former Italy Under 21 international Forestieri, a £3m signing from Watford,

“It hurts now. I’m so lucky nothing happened. He should have been sent off but I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

But Town right-back Tommy Smith defended his teammate.

Smith insisted: “It wasn’t a foul.

“Huddy is certainly a strong, physical player, which you need to be in his position, but he’s not dirty.

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“Forestieri is a very good player but he goes to ground easily and he made the most of Mark’s challenge.”

Wagner replaced Hudson with Martin Cranie and explained: “It was clear there was a danger of Huddy being sent off.

“We wanted to make sure it was 11 v 11 to the end.”

Town, 18th after their defeat, head to second-placed Middlesbrough on Tuesday, when Stephen Martin (Staffordshire) will be in charge.

Fifth-placed Wednesday are at home to Blackburn Rovers.