Steve Bruce has been fined �2,500 for improper conduct by the FA

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has been fined £2,500 by the Football Association for his strongly worded criticism of referee Andre Marriner.

The 49-year-old described defender Michael Turner's sending-off against Manchester City last December as "obscene", "a joke" and "an outrage."

Bruce admitted the misconduct charge, but his "exemplary record" helped him avoid more serious punishment.

The FA has also warned Bruce about his future conduct.

Bruce's outburst related to an incident in his side's 4-3 defeat against City on 19 December last year, when Turner was dismissed in the closing minutes for apparently catching City midfielder Gareth Barry with his elbow.

Sunderland appealed against the decision to dismiss Turner, but the FA dismissed the club's case and the defender was banned for another match on top of his automatic three-match ban.

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