STEVE BRUCE hit back after angry Newcastle fans spotted him laughing with Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on TV following their 3-1 defeat on Monday.
The Toon Army were far from amused to see their manager smiling on the touchline moments after their 12th loss in 16 games.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Steve Bruce were pictured grinning after United’s 3-1 winCredit: AP:Associated Press
The Magpies could drop into the relegation zone by the end of the weekend if they lose to Wolves and Fulham beat Crystal Palace.
But Bruce defended it by stating that Solskjaer had complimented his side, and stressed there was nothing wrong with chatting to his old mate.
He said: “Listen, I’ve known Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for 20 years.
“Now, if I’m caught smiling with him – he was complimenting us on how well we played, so if that’s a bad thing that I’ve smiled with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, then unfortunately okay. Let it be.”
A group of supporters last night called for Bruce’s dismissal with a display outside St James’ Park.
‘Wor Flags’ posted pictures on social media of a banner showing Toon owner Mike Ashley holding up two joker cards with Bruce’s face on them.
In a plea to Ashley, it reads ‘Stop gambling with our cub’ – with the Wor Flags twitter account adding ‘Don’t stick with this joker’ in reference to Bruce.
Ahead of facing Wolves, the Newcastle manager said tactics are irrelevant as it reaches the “tickly” stage of the season.
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Newcastle fans continue to protest against Steve BruceCredit: Twitter @worflags
He added: “You can talk about tactics as much as you like, it’s all about players.
“It’s certainly coming to the tickly part.
“I always say when the daffodils are up, that’s a sign that the real crux part of the season is upon us.
“We’ve still got a lead, but it seems Newcastle are the only ones in it.”
“There’s six or seven. Can we finish above them? I’m quietly confident we can.”
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Red Devils push Toon closer to drop zone after Manchester United vs Newcastle
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
