STEVE BRUCE was caught in a Tyneside storm after claims that Matt Ritchie called him a ‘coward’.
Newcastle boss Bruce allegedly barged into Ritchie during a row which is reported to have stunned the Magpies squad.
Steve Bruce and Matt Ritchie have reportedly been involved in a furious training ground bust-upCredit: Getty
The Scottish midfielder, 31, is said to be fuming because he felt Bruce hung him out to dry over his part in Wolves’ equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle on Saturday.
Bruce accused his player of failing to pass on instructions about a formation switch after coming on as a sub just before Ruben Neves’ leveller.
Ritchie is understood to have phoned Bruce after seeing the interviews.
But he was told the pair would speak when they returned to training on Tuesday.
That is when tempers are claimed to have reached boiling point, with Bruce allegedly retaliating physically after Ritchie’s ‘coward’ jibe.
The Mail report claimed Ritchie, who joined the club for £12million in 2016, also told Bruce he was ‘done’ with him and that his manager had ‘done f*** all for him’.
Bruce is said to have hit back, saying: “What are you going to do? Tell Lee Charnley?”
That is claimed to be a reference to allegations that Magpies players have voiced their frustrations at Bruce’s methods to the club’s managing director.
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Newcastle were unavailable when approached for comment last night.
However, BBC Sport says Ritchie has apologised for what he said and that the matter is now considered closed.
The draw with Wolves left Bruce under increasing pressure.
His injury-ravaged squad are just one place and three points outside the relegation zone.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
