Sunderland boss Bruce upset at racism claims from Argentinian Angeleri

31 March 2011 15:50
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has angrily denied claims that he is a racist after defender Marcos Angeleri accused him of overlooking him because he is not English.[LNB]The 27-year-old Argentinian was due back on Wearside today on his return from international duty, during which he made his comments.[LNB]Angeleri told a South American radio station: 'The boss doesn't talk to me, he doesn't even say hello to me when he sees me.[LNB] 'The charge that hurts the most': Steve Bruce is deeply upset with Marcos Angeleri's claims[LNB] 'I think he doesn't like me because I'm not English.'[LNB]The same quotes were used in a report which recalled Aston Villa's French boss Gerard Houllier's remarks about Bruce's attitude towards him in the wake of Darren Bent's controversial ?24million move to the midlands in January.[LNB]Accusation: Angeleri claims Bruce doesn't like him because he's not English[LNB] However, the former Manchester United defender today hit back and pointed to the fact that he has 11 overseas players from nine different countries among his first-team squad of 25 as evidence to refute the charge.[LNB]Bruce, who said he is considering legal action, told the Sunderland Echo: 'I'm deeply upset. In today's world, there is nothing more damaging than someone suggesting you are a racist.[LNB]'Of all things that have been thrown at me over the years, that is the charge that hurts the most.[LNB]'I have got no problem with criticism - I learned a long, long time ago that it's part and parcel of the job, and I never take it personally.[LNB]'I have always tried to look further afieldfor players, more so than the vast majority of managers - at Wigan Ibrought in a lot of South Americans; here I have brought in SouthAmericans and Africans.[LNB]'It's ridiculous to accuse me of being racist.'[LNB]Bruceadmitted he could even understand why Angeleri, who arrived at theStadium of Light in a ?2million switch from Estudiantes in July lastyear, is so upset.[LNB]He said: 'I have left out a player who Ipaid a lot of money for and he has had his say. I'm not too upset if aplayer has a pop because he's not getting in the team because if I wasin that position, I would feel the same way.[LNB] 'I try to treat him with respect, but I'm not picking him, so of course I can understand his frustration.[LNB]'There is a line you should not cross, though. I will deal with Marcos when he returns, and it will be kept in-house.'[LNB] Zenden puts coaching plans on hold and vows to continue playingHost of clubs chase Kranjcar after Spurs midfielder admits he will leaveWe will fear no-one when our best players are available, says Sunderland boss Steve BruceAll the latest Sunderland news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Darren Bent, Steve Bruce, Gerard Houllier

Source: Daily_Mail