Bruce hit with FA charge

SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce has been charged with improper conduct following his comments about referee Andre Marriner's performance in last month's match against Manchester City, the Football Association has announced. Marriner awarded City a penalty after Nyron Nosworthy was judged to have fouled Craig Bellamy while he also sent off Michael Turner for an apparent elbow on Gareth Barry. The Sunderland boss asked the official to review the incidents and admit that he had got them wrong. Bruce has until January 20 to respond to the charge.