Bruce fumes over decisions

Wigan boss furious over referee's performance

Last updated: 11th May 2008

Bruce fumes over decisions

Bruce: Angry with referee Bennett

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Steve Bruce slammed referee Steve Bennett for three "unbelievable" decisions in Wigan's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Bruce believes Paul Scholes was lucky not to be sent off as United retained the Barclays Premier League title.

And the Wigan boss was also fuming over the penalty his side were denied and the one they conceded at the JJB Stadium.

Bennett failed to dish out a second yellow card to Scholes for successive challenges on Wilson Palacios while Rio Ferdinand was not punished for what Bruce felt was a clear handball in the area.

United were awarded a penalty following a challenge on Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the spot in the 33rd minute.

Bruce said: "Paul Scholes will go down as one of United's greats. Everything about him is top, top drawer.

"He knows he got away with it today. Had it been any other day it was another yellow card and he should have been off.

Integrity

"You should ask the referee about his integrity, not about my team.

"Thankfully there was nothing riding on it for us but I have to say three decisions in the first half were absolutely unbelievable.

"You would have thought Rio had gloves on and to say the penalty we conceded was harsh is an understatement."

Bruce, however, could not disguise his affection for United and Giggs in particular.

Wigan gave their all on the final day, as did Bolton in claiming a draw at Chelsea, who as a result finished two points behind United.

Bruce added: "There is an honesty and integrity in this league. We have put up a hell of show and it has taken a really good team to beat us.

"Bolton have gone to Chelsea and got a draw. I don't think that would happen anywhere else around Europe."