Bruce questions FA rules

Wigan boss calls for change

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 20th November 2008

Steve Bruce Wigan Athletic Barnsley Pre Season Friendly

Bruce: Left disappointed

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Steve Bruce feels the Football Association need to analyse their rules regarding appeals.

The Wigan boss is currently preparing his side for a home date with Everton on Monday, but knows that he will be without the services of Emmerson Boyce.

The centre-half was controversially sent off in the Lactics' last Premier League outing, a 2-2 draw at Newcastle, and must now serve a suspension.

However, having looked at the incidents again, match official Andre Marriner has admitted that he made a mistake in dismissing Boyce.

That is of little consolation, though, to Bruce, with FA law stipulating that clubs cannot question decisions involving two yellow cards.

Respect

"First and foremost you have to say well done to the referee for holding his hand up, that's the respect we're looking for," said the Wigan boss.

"On Saturday night it doesn't make me feel any better because two points have already gone away from us. But the biggest thing is that it stops Boycey from playing against Everton on Monday, because he's suspended.

"The referee has admitted that he was wrong, but you can't question two yellow cards. For me, there must be around 20 to 25 cases a year where this thing happens.

"Why can we not look at it? If it's wrong and unjust, and the referee apologises, why can't we not make that rule change. We don't have to wait for Fifa surely? We can act ourselves. The FA are big enough and strong enough to act, and that's my opinion.

"I do admit that referees have got a hard job, and I feel as if I'm the only one who's bleating, but we have had some horrific decisions.

"We hope that it's our turn to stay out of it and I hope this weekend we can just talk about the game rather than a bad refereeing decision which has cost us a few points."