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Hull boss Steve Bruce hits back over Maynor Figueroa tackle on Stephen Ireland

Stephen Ireland Maynor Figueroa Stoke Hull
Image: Stephen Ireland required internal and external stitches after Maynor Figueroa challenge

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has hit back at Stoke after pictures emerged of a gash in Stephen Ireland's calf following a tackle by Maynor Figueroa that went unpunished.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes claimed the challenge could have ended Ireland's career and that Figueroa should have been sent off - the injury needed 12 to 15 stitches.

But Bruce felt that Ireland's challenge on David Meyler in Saturday's Premier League game at the Britannia Stadium was worse and believes it is time for video technology to be introduced to help the match officials.

He said: "Let me tell you, Stephen Ireland committed the worst challenge on the pitch on David Meyler. He shouldn't have been on the pitch if the referee had done his job. It was an awful challenge.

"I could show you a picture of Figueroa's ankle, he had five stitches in it and carried on. Nobody wants to see a cut or an injury as bad as Stephen Ireland had, but unfortunately in football it happens.

"Everybody is wearing the boots called blades and the challenge on Ireland, he's kicked the ball and followed through and unfortunately has caught his leg.

"At the time nobody went to the referee, he didn't award a free-kick - it wasn't a free-kick but one of those horrible ones where he's followed through and caught the boy on the calf rather than planted the boot on him."

Hull entertain Sunderland on Tuesday night and a win would see City take another decisive step away from the relegation places.

Bruce said: "It is a pivotal game. Our better goal difference would mean it is the equivalent of five points and would give us a good cushion above the bottom three.

"We were disappointed with the whole team going forward against Stoke. I don't think we were adventurous enough, but I can't remember my 'keeper making a save either.

"It was one of those awful, horrible games where the paying public was probably bored out of their pants but that happens sometimes."

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