Bruce bemoans penalty decision

Birmingham boss unhappy after defeat

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 18th August 2007

Steve Bruce Birmingham manager Blues

Bruce: Harsh call

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Steve Bruce was hugely disappointed with the decision to award West Ham a penalty following Birmingham's 1-0 defeat.

Blues had withstood a huge amount of pressure from West Ham but Colin Doyle conceded a penalty in the 70th minute and Mark Noble converted from the spot.

Doyle appeared to clip the legs of Craig Bellamy as he charged out to the left-hand edge of the area to intercept the ball but lost the race to the Welsh striker.

However, Bruce feels it was a poor decision from the assistant referee as Bellamy was in no position to score.

The Birmingham boss told Sky Sports: "I think everybody in the ground has gone 'that's a harsh penalty'.

"It's the typical one. How often have we seen it with the experience (of Bellamy) and the naivety from the goalkeeper.

"The ball was nowhere to be seen when there was contact, if there was any contact.

"Bellamy knows what he was doing, and I've got no criticism of him because I'd expect my forwards to do the same.

"However, the linesman has got the view to see if he has got an advantage and the ball is in the crowd, so we are disappointed."

Big club, little club

Bruce also felt Birmingham had been wronged during the 2-2 draw with Sunderland in midweek.

He added: "You do scratch your head sometimes and think is it the big club, little club syndrome. It would be interesting to see the stats on that.

"We've had two really horrible decisions against us which ultimately have cost us."