Football
10y

Bruce: Handball penalties a 'mockery'

Hull City boss Steve Bruce was disappointed with Craig Pawson's decision to award QPR a penalty late on and believes the rule regarding handball needs to be clarified.

The Tigers prevailed in their Premier League opener on Saturday, but only after goalkeeper Allan McGregor saved Charlie Austin's effort from the spot to preserve the lead.

Junior Hoilett had earned his side a spot-kick when his cross was adjudged to have struck the hand of Chester six minutes from time, and Bruce expressed his opinion of the decision after the match.

"The referees have got to get together and realise they're making a mockery of it -- it's supposed to be deliberate," Bruce said.

"Chester has got his hand by his side, the ball is a yard away and probably travelling at 50 miles per hour -- what's he supposed to do?

"We need to stop all this nonsense and have a bit of common sense."

Robert Snodgrass, who joined Hull from Norwich earlier this summer, endured a disappointing debut as he was replaced before half-time with a knee injury.

"Snodgrass is a concern," Bruce said. "He's twisted his knee. He's in a brace and crutches at the moment -- touch wood he's not too bad.

"We fear ligament damage and if it is, it'll obviously be a long time but hopefully it's not."

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