'I can't defend players' says Steve Bruce

Feb 10 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

SUNDERLAND boss Steve Bruce slammed Lee Cattermole and David Meyler for the “indefensible” red cards that cost the Black Cats a precious three points on a tempestuous night in Portsmouth.

The Black Cats were a goal and a man up before first Cattermole was dismissed for two bookings shortly after half-time and then Meyler, just 85 seconds after coming on as a substitute, was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Tal Ben-Haim.

Referee Kevin Friend was harassed all night by a febrile home crowd who reacted with outrage to his decision to grant Sunderland a clear-cut spot-kick and send Ricardo Rocha off after just nine minutes.

Bruce said he felt let down by the pair and said a decision to take action against the midfielder’s would stay in house.

“The two of them, for me, are stupid and it’s cost us the game in the end. I can’t defend them,” he said.

“Catts has just been booked and while the yellow card is questionable he has to learn that even if it’s a disputed ball, it makes the ref’s mind up.

“With all the carry on that has gone on in the first half, we didn’t need to give them any advantage.