‘Ridiculous’ – Aston Villa boss Bruce slams Birmingham after Second City derby draw
By Aramide Oladipo
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has slammed Birmingham City for the club’s decision to hand St Andrew’s faithful clappers.
Birmingham supporters received clappers on arrival to the stadium to enhance the atmosphere but a number of them ended on the pitch as fans hurled them down the stands, targeting the Villa players.
Several Villa players experienced clappers being thrown at them when they prepared to take corners and throw-ins throughout the 90 minutes.
The match was temporally stopped when the home fans hurled clappers and bottles at Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in the second-half at a set-piece.
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Bruce vented his frustration at the club’s decision to allow the supporters to use the clappers.
“Whoever made the ridiculous decision to introduce clappers at this game, well they won’t be doing that again,” he said.
“They obviously don’t know the Birmingham fans do they?
“The Birmingham fans don’t need a clapper. Crikey, it’s the last thing they need.
“They’ve actually used it as a weapon. In all seriousness, somebody could have been hurt.”
Both sides failed to set the derby alight as the match ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw.
Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis came closest for the visitors with both players striking the woodwork in quick succession during the second-half.
Birmingham had a wonderful chance to break the deadlock just after the interval but summer signing Jota produced poor finish in a one-on-one situation.
Villa have failed to score in a Championship game for the first time since the stalemate against Middlesborough in September.
In other Aston Villa news, the club are reportedly interested in signing this Champions League winner.
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