Hull boss Steve Bruce backs George Boyd over spitting row

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has defended forward George Boyd over accusations he spat at Manchester City keeper Joe Hart in his side's 2-0 defeat on Saturday.

The two players clashed when Hart was angry at Boyd for going to ground under his challenge in the 69th minute.

The Football Association will review referee Lee Mason's report before deciding what action to take.

"He [Boyd] has tried to talk and shout and something's come out. That's what I've seen of it," said Bruce.

"George Boyd wouldn't do that, no chance. Not deliberately, anyway. He is as honest as they come. He was playing non-league six years ago."

Boyd came on as a 58th-minute substitute in the game and felt Hart should have been shown a red card for his reaction - the England keeper appeared to move his head towards the Hull player as they confronted each other.

"He didn't nut me but he's put his head in, so he should have got sent off really," said the 28-year-old.

"He said afterwards that he didn't touch me, but I thought he touched me a little bit. He apologised for the reaction and that's it."

Manchester City's Vincent Kompany may also face punishment for his reaction to being sent-off in the game. The City captain was seen kicking a wall as he walked off the pitch and down the tunnel.