Hull boss Bruce charged by FA after 'joke' comment following Spurs penalty award

Hull boss Steve Bruce has been charged by the Football Association for his post-match criticism of referee Michael Oliver on Sunday.
Tottenham were awarded an 80th-minute spot-kick for a handball by Ahmed 

Elmohamady which Roberto Soldado converted to earn the home side all three points.
Bruce said later: 'It was a joke decision. I have to ask the question, would we have got it? In my opinion, he (Oliver) couldn't wait to give it.'

Charged: Steve Bruce has been hit with an FA charge after calling Michael Oliver's decision a joke

The former Manchester United centre-back feels the charge is unjust, especially as he says referees chief Mike Riley contacted him on Monday morning, admitting that Oliver had messed up.


Bruce's side returned to White Hart Lane on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup, going down 8-7 after a 2-2 draw.

'I've been charged,' Bruce said after the final whistle.
'Mike Riley rang me on Monday morning telling me they've made a huge mistake. What am I supposed to say?

'I thought the referee today was tremendous. We like to see what we've witnessed today and let's not lose that.

Fury: Hull players remonstrate with referee Michael Oliver after he awards Tottenham a penalty (below)

Game over: Tottenham's Roberto Soldado scores the winning goal from the penalty spot

'What is the law and what is it supposed to be? I'll argue my case. It will cost me a few quid, but I'll do it.'

Bruce claims Hull games are not officiated by the most high-profile referees.
'We don't get the big referees. Are we not as important as the big clubs?' he said.
'Although I suppose Michael Oliver is supposed to be one of the top referees but I can't seem to remember Howard Webb coming to Hull very often.

'We've had a bad decision and a bad couple of days but we'll see what the FA say.'