Matt Ritchie calls Steve Bruce a COWARD during training

[tinostongue]

Ritchie has apologised to Bruce.

He said he had apologised the the players and staff, but no mention of Bruce.

[Kal]

Newcastle midfielder Matt Ritchie has apologised for a training ground bust-up with head coach Steve Bruce.

The club have not commented on the incident, but BBC sport understands Ritchie has apologised for what he said and that the matter is now considered closed.

[Zippity]

Obviously, calling your boss a coward in front of the rest of the team and to the MD isn't the wisest move (much as he's obviously right) so I've got no problem with him apologising.

But...where's Bruce's apology and admission that calling out Ritchie in front of a tv/radio/written media audience-so tens of millions have now read/heard/seen him throwing Ritchie under the bus-was wrong? It almost doubles down on the insult by implying 'aye, he was wrong but I wasn't'.

[ex_pat_magpie]

Obviously, calling your boss a coward in front of the rest of the team and to the MD isn't the wisest move (much as he's obviously right) so I've got no problem with him apologising.

But...where's Bruce's apology and admission that calling out Ritchie in front of a tv/radio/written media audience-so tens of millions have now read/heard/seen him throwing Ritchie under the bus-was wrong? It almost doubles down on the insult by implying 'aye, he was wrong but I wasn't'.

Also, there is the point that it was reported that Bruce physically went for Ritchie for which he hasn't apologised.

Had it been the other way round, i.e. Bruce called Ritchie, and then had Ritchie manhandled Bruce what then would have happened.

Would it have been closed as it is now? I think not.

[Kal]

It almost doubles down on the insult by implying 'aye, he was wrong but I wasn't'.

The players would have noticed that as well. Yet more disharmony.

[toptoon]

The matter is very unlikely to be considered closed by anyone whether it’s Ritchie, Bruce, the other players or the fans.

[ex_pat_magpie]

The matter is very unlikely to be considered closed by anyone whether it’s Ritchie, Bruce, the other players or the fans.

You are right there TopToon. This one won't go away. It may be officially brushed under the carpet but Bruce, as long as he's here, will always hold it against Ritchie and Ritchie will suffer for it.

I'll wager in years to come it will be brought up and very few will forget it.

it must always be remembered that Bruce because of his past attitudes has been proven to be small-minded. i.e. it's never my fault but always someone else to blame.