Source: Northern_Echo
Sunderland boss hit with £2,500 fine
THE Football Association have hit Sunderland manager Steve Bruce with a fine of £2,500 for his critical comments of referee Andre Marriner in December. Bruce has been asked to explain his comments after the defeat at Manchester City, when he was infuriated by the official's decision to send off Michael Turner. Turner was red carded for an aerial challenge on Gareth Barry and a three-match ban was increased to four when the FA felt Sunderland's appeal had no "prospect of success." Bruce labelled Marriner's actions as "obscene", a "joke" and an "outrage" and the FA have stepped in to warn him about his future conduct. An FA statement read: "At an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was fine for improper conduct. "The commission took into consideration Bruce's admission of the charge and his previous exemplary record in relation to media comments." Sunderland lost the match at City 4-3.