Winter defends himself

Jeff Winter appeared on Sky Sports News to defend his criticism of Robbie Savage.

Winter wrote a newspaper article this week that urged the Football Association to investigate the Welshman's behaviour in Birmingham's game with Aston Villa last Sunday.

Savage was accused or gouging Olof Mellberg's eye with a stray finger - with Winter's accusations inciting a withered response from Bruce.

"Let me tell you I'm disgusted, because it was my day off last week,'' fumed Bruce.

"Who the hell has ever been interested in Winter anyway? How the hell is he getting to write for national newspapers?

"What was he? A bog-standard referee who loved himself. He drives me nuts. An absolute prat and you can print that as well.''

Clearly bemused by Bruce's response, Winter was quick to counter that it was all a question of opinions and that his was as valued as any other.

''All I would say is that I would leave it for other people to judge,'' Winter told Sky Sports News.

''I passed my opinion, Steve has passed his and now it's up to others to judge.

''In fairness the game was last Sunday, it's dead and gone and everybody has moved on.

''It wasn't seen and the authorities didn't agree with my assumption so perhaps I am wrong on this occasion. If I that is the case then I apologise.

''But I was asked to give an opinion and I gave one. It's best that it's put to bed and we all move on.''

Winter continued to reveal that he has since spoken to Savage and that despite being in disagreement about the incident, there was no bad blood left on either side.

''He (Savage) was disappointed because he felt my actions could have got him a ban,'' continued Winter.

''I told him that the decision had been made. We've got a difference of opinion on it but I don't think they'd be any bad feeling if we meet again.

''The game of football is all about opinion. It doesn't matter if it's mine or anybody else's. It is all about opinion. I've given mine and the people at Birmingham disagree with it.''

Despite Bruce voicing such heated evaluation of Winter, the former official insists he will continue to give his opinion - if the public are interested in what he has to say.

He concluded: ''There is no need to exchange personal insults.

''That's his opinion. I think that the facts and figures show that I was a good referee.

''Steve didn't rate me but I think other people in the game probably did.

''It doesn't really matter anymore. He's got his opinion about me and I'm not going to start defending that.

''If people feel that I have a point of view that they want to listen to, I'll give it.

''I do feel that I have done that throughout the course of this season. I've come out and defended referees which people haven't done before.

''If the media feel I've got a role to play then I would enjoy it.

''If people want to listen, I'll give it. If that upsets people then so be it.''