Steve Bruce compiles a DVD on referees

Nov 20 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Bruce has long advocated the increased use of technology in football matches to help referees avoid making big mistakes and feels the controversy which surrounds Ireland’s failure to qualify for the World Cup this week following a handball by Thierry Henry in the build-up to France’s crucial play-off equaliser is more fuel for his fire.

He added: “I thought the referee was excellent in the France v Ireland game, but he missed the big one. When it was thrown into the box I did not see that first one, I thought they were complaining about Gallas. It was offside for a start and then it was handball.

“I would bring in technology 100% for goals, if there’s an absolute decision to be made. Sky had the replay to us within 15 seconds. They had six different angles. If the fourth official is there, why can’t they just stop it for ten seconds.

“I have always been of the opinion that they have a hard job. I have the biggest admiration for them, but they are now pros and are paid a lot of money to do the job and I don’t think they are always fair and that is what upsets us.”

Meanwhile, Bruce is still annoyed with Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe after he collided with Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon and broke his arm.

The injury will rule the Scotland international out for the next three months, and Bruce admitted it is a big setback as he felt Gordon was returning to the sort of form which persuaded Sunderland to pay Hearts £9m to sign him.

He said: “Craig gives you that calming influence and he was just getting his confidence back. He played with an injury for a lot of last season and that drained a little bit out of him.

“I was delighted with his form before the injury. He was starting to look the goalkeeper we paid all that money for.

“He certainly caught him. Could he have got out of the road? Only Jermain knows. When I saw it with the naked eye I thought it was 50-50, but when I’ve looked after . . .

“Craig has a broken arm and he is sore and upset. He has had an operation to put a metal plate inserted and he is disappointed, as you would imagine.”