Stephen Ireland’s lunge at David Meyler worse than Figueroa’s tackle

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has hit back at Stoke after a gory picture emerged of a bloody gash in Stephen Ireland’s leg following a challenger by Tigers defender Maynor Figueroa.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes claimed the challenge could have ended Ireland’s career and that Figueroa should have been sent off. The injury needed 12 to 15 stitches.

Bruce, speaking ahead of Hull’s home match against Sunderland this evening (7.45pm), disputed that claim and insisted it was Ireland himself who should have been given his marching orders for an earlier challenge.