Bad memory for Bruce
STEVE BRUCE is still spitting mad despite Brentford striker Neil Maupay’s three-match ban.
Aston Villa boss Bruce says VAR has to be brought in.
Maupay scored twice in the 2-2 draw at Villa in midweek but escaped unpunished on the night for a stamp on John McGinn.
Bruce says the only people to benefit are Brentford’s next three opponents.
“That’s where we should have VAR – get those things done,” he said. “The only people helped now are our rivals.
“Brentford are without their centre-forward against two or three other teams. We didn’t have the benefit of anything. We have all been there, a bit of red mist and it’s probably out of character. But those sort of things you can’t get away with.”
Bruce believes Villa were served up the biggest injustice of all back in May when they lost the Championship play-off final to Fulham.
Ryan Fredericks stamped on Villa’s Jack Grealish in the first half, escaped punishment and Fulham went on to win.
Bruce said: “The referee and the fourth official missed a stamp on Jack which could have changed the whole outcome. When you see it back it’s horrific. It was one yard in front of Kevin Friend [fourth official].
“It might not have changed the game but it would certainly have been easier for us to play against 10 men for an hour. It was a big injustice.
“That’s why I’m all for technology. Let’s get it in.”
Villa defender Alan Hutton broke his nose in the Brentford game and is a doubt.
“It’s a strange one,” said Bruce. “There was hardly any blood at all. I’ve never known that with a broken nose and I should know.”