Source: Telegraph
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce fined by Football Association for referee rant
As well as being hit in the pocket for improper conduct by FA officials, Bruce was also told to make sure there is no repeat of his attack on Marriner. [LNB]Bruce vented his spleen in Marriner's direction in a post-match interview over his dismissal of defender Michael Turner in Sunderland's 4-3 defeat at Manchester City last December. [LNB] Related ArticlesRichardson rallies Sunderland teammatesArsenal v Sunderland: previewKenwyne Jones eyeing Liverpool moveBent: Sunderland can wreck Arsenal title bidCana: pressure mounting at SunderlandSport on televisionThe former Manchester United skipper, 49, is now counting the cost of describing Marriner's decision to send off Turner for an aerial challenge with Gareth Barry as "obscene", "a joke" and as "an outrage". [LNB]A brief FA statement said: "At an independent regulatory commission hearing, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was fined for improper conduct. [LNB]"The commission took into consideration Bruce's admission of the charge and his previous exemplary record in relation to media comments." [LNB]The punishment represents the end of a sorry saga for Sunderland who appealed against the sending-off only to have a fourth game added to his automatic three-match ban because the FA felt "the claim had no prospect of success". [LNB]The loss of Turner has hindered Sunderland this term with Bruce attributing his side's slump in recent months to injuries and suspensions as he attempts to plot a first Premier League win since November when Fulham visit the Stadium of Light on Sunday. [LNB]Bruce's outburst was not the first time that Marriner has incurred Bruce's wrath because he complained to referees' chief Keith Hackett after he sent off Kenwyne Jones for shoving over Herita Llunga in a 2-2 draw against West Ham earlier this season. [LNB]That had prompted Bruce to contact referees' chief Keith Hackett over the West Midlands-based official ahead of the City game when the dismissal prompted suggestions from the former Wigan manager that he was the victim of a vendetta. [LNB]"Because I have complained about him, I get that decision I was disappointed with the referee's performance," Bruce said following a match that was overshadowed by Mark Hughes' sacking as City manager. [LNB]"I wrote to Keith Hackett six weeks ago complaining about Andre Marriner's decision to send off Jones when he pushed Ilunga and he play-acted to make out he was hurt. [LNB]"Then I saw him (Marriner) show Pascal Chimbonda a yellow card a week later when he swung a punch at someone. I never heard anything back, by the way. But then we have this decision. The sending off is a joke - an outrage." [LNB]
