Bruce happy with away point
Last updated : 20 October 2002 By Brian Cartlidge
Against a Blues side depleted by injuries and suspensions to key players, West Brom seemed the more likely team to go on and win the local derby.
But after Olivier Tebily was sent off for a dubious second bookable offence it was ten man Blues who opened the scoring through a Darren Moore own goal with only 4 minutes of normal time remaining.
However, just 90 seconds later Jason Roberts equalised for the Baggies and Blues had to settle for just one point instead of an expected three.
"Given the injuries and suspensions I am pleased to get a point because we were down to the bare bones but it is tinged with a bit of disappointment after taking the lead so late on," Bruce said.
"But we have got to be satisfied having come away in the Premiership and got a result.
And, Bruce was incensed with the Tebily decision - the Blues central defender was given his marching orders nine minutes from time following a challenge on Jason Roberts.
"It didn't look like a sending off to me," he said.
"Throughout the afternoon there was a battle of the heavyweights between Tebily and Roberts, the sort of physical battles that the crowds love to see.
"But six or seven players are now getting cards every week. I'll probably get accused of sexist comments but it is becoming like a game for the girls.
"If we're not careful, the physical type of game the fans love to see will go out of the window. We might as well go and play netball.
"I scratch my head and think where the game is going. Common sense has got to come into it otherwise everyone will be suspended by the end of next month.
"The sending off was for nothing. Tebily has cuts on his face and scratches all over him but you expect that. Now you commit a foul and it's all about red and yellow cards."
BLUES V ALBION MATCH REPORT
If you would like the top stories on Singing The Blues to be emailed to you for FREE on a weekly or daily basis CLICK HERE
