Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce criticises clappers at Birmingham City

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has criticised Birmingham's decision to give their supporters cardboard clappers for the Sky Bet Championship goalless draw at St Andrew's.

Some home fans threw the clappers at Villa players including Robert Snodgrass and Bruce was far from impressed amid claims that coins were also thrown.

The former Birmingham boss said: "Whoever made the ridiculous decision to have clappers here obviously doesn't know the Birmingham-Villa game as the Birmingham fans don't need a clapper. It is the last thing they need.

"But they have somehow used them as a weapon. In all seriousness someone could have been badly hurt.

"They were rolled up, elastic bands around them and they became like a rock.

"Thankfully no-one has been caught. But people could have been. Two of the players were hit with them so whoever made the ridiculous decision, I don't think they will do it again."

Both sides had chances to win the game at St Andrew's but it eventually ended in a stalemate.

"I think we were better when we made the changes," Bruce told Sky Sports. "Physically, it was important we stood up to the barrage they had, then the longer the game goes on you're hoping you can produce a bit of quality at the top end of the pitch.

"We've had a really big, big chance in the game, and they did as well just after half-time, but you're hoping you can take that and come away with the win, which is always nicer than a draw.

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"It's never easy [at St Andrew's]. It's a big hostile derby and the supporters were bang up for it again. So we're delighted we haven't been beaten but maybe disappointed that we could have snatched it. Overall, though, I'm delighted that we've stood up to the big physical challenge that Birmingham threw at us."

Conor Hourihane nearly gifted Jota a goal in the second half with a loose back pass, only for the Spaniard to miss when clean through on goal, but Bruce said he wouldn't blame the midfielder.

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"Conor has had a really wonderful season so far, but we all make mistakes and he'll know better for next time," said Bruce. "We've got away with it on that occasion [for Jota's chance] so we've got to be a little bit grateful."

The draw leaves Aston Villa sixth in the table, but their form has improved markedly and Bruce is confident they can kick on through the winter.

"There's a long way to go in the Championship and I believe it's only just starting," he said. "We've given ourselves a nice platform to build on and of course we're Aston Villa so the expectation is on us, but slowly and surely we're turning it around."

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