Source: Daily_Mail
Wigan boss Bruce says sorry to ref after admitting he was wrong at Chelsea
Wigan boss Steve Bruce has sent a written apology to referee Lee Probert after roundly criticising the official for the defeat at Chelsea a fortnight ago. [LNB]Bruce was left fuming following the 2-1 loss, blaming Probert for failing to spot an apparent push from Frank Lampard on Mario Melchiot before the midfielder headed home the last-gasp winner. [LNB] I was wrong: Steve Bruce has apologised to referee Lee Probert after criticising his performance during Wigan's recent defeat at Chelsea.[LNB]A seething Bruce later launched into a tirade about how the big clubs are always favoured by the officials, frustratingly stating: 'It makes you that angry you think 'Is it all worth it?' at times.' [LNB]But a humble Bruce has since seen the error of his remarks, and has been man enough to admit the mistake was all of his own making. [LNB]'I wrote to the referee of the Chelsea game, expressing my views that I was wrong,' confirmed Bruce. 'I was caught up in the heat of the moment, and you sometimes say things you regret. [LNB]'I've been in the game a long time now, and I try to take a look at things, and coming back on it now I was wrong to criticise him. I hope he accepts my apology.' [LNB] Sunderland v WIGAN: Siberski only doubt for Bruce as Latics look to stop the rot[LNB]SUNDERLAND v Wigan: Black Cats without banned Richardson[LNB]WIGAN ATHLETIC FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]SUNDERLAND FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB]However, Bruce remains unrepentant regarding his outspoken comments on the performance of Stuart Attwell in last week's 1-0 home defeat to West Ham. [LNB]At just 26, Attwell is the youngest referee in the Barclays Premier League, and according to Bruce, is out of his depth. [LNB]However, the Wigan boss stands by his comments about Stuart Attwell after last week's defeat against West Ham.[LNB]The Warwickshire official dismissed Carlton Cole in the first half, a decision that was criticised by Bruce and Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. [LNB]But then Bruce was left outraged by Attwell's failure to issue a red card to Lucas Neill in the second half for a challenge on Lee Cattermole described by the Latics boss as 'horrific'. [LNB]Within minutes Cattermole took his revenge with a tackle on Scott Parker and was soon ordered off himself. [LNB]'The one thing I don't want to do is criticise referees, and to be fair, I felt for Stuart Attwell (that day),' added Bruce. [LNB]'He has been pushed through because they think he has a talent, and unquestionably he has. But I said at the time that maybe it was a little too early for him. [LNB]'In the Premier League given the intensity and ferocity, they have to make sure they're not going to be sidetracked and have the presence to be in control of the match. Unfortunately, I think in that game Mr Attwell got it wrong.'[LNB]However, Bruce admits he knows how hard a job the referees have, simply after running the rule over a practice match in training this week. [LNB]'They are all at you,' smiled Bruce. 'It's part of a footballer's nature, part of being a winner, that they are onto you, and you are never going to stop that. You will get badgered, so I know how difficult it is.'[LNB]Bruce will be hoping he is left talking about something other than referees following tomorrow's clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. [LNB]Sadly for Bruce, there will be no Roy Keane for him to pit his wits against after the Irishman stepped down as manager of the Black Cats in December. [LNB]Bruce believes the game misses a character like his former Manchester United team-mate, who he feels will be back sooner rather than later. [LNB] Old pals act: Bruce admits he is looking forward to seeing former Sunderland manager Roy Keane return to the game one day.[LNB]'I know he's itching, very quietly,' remarked Bruce. 'We don't hear much about him, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's back in it in the summer. [LNB]'I always think football is a brighter, more interesting place when Roy is around. When he's on the TV everybody has a look, or when he does a press interview, everybody wants a little bit of it, and that for me is a big part of the game. [LNB]'He should take great pride in what he achieved at Sunderland as they were bottom of the Championship when he took over, but then he rattled their cage, big style. [LNB]'He got them up and now they've a really good team that will be really difficult to beat, but one we're capable of beating.' [LNB]Along with the suspended Cattermole, Bruce's only other absentee is likely to be Antoine Sibierski who is nursing a hamstring problem. [LNB]New signing South Korea international midfielder Won-Hee Cho could be handed his debut if Bruce deems he is fit enough.[LNB] Sunderland v WIGAN: Siberski only doubt for Bruce as Latics look to stop the rot[LNB]SUNDERLAND v Wigan: Black Cats without banned Richardson[LNB]WIGAN ATHLETIC FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]SUNDERLAND FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB] [LNB]
