Former Stevenage winger embroiled in controversy after confrontation with Manchester City goalkeeper

Steve Bruce has denied that George Boyd spat at Joe Hart during Hull City’s defeat to Manchester City.

Boyd now faces a wait to discover whether the Football Association will charge him with spitting following his confrontation with Hart after the Tigers substitute had gone to ground in trying to round the goalkeeper during Saturday’s Premier League match.

However Bruce has defender the winger, who spent six years at Stevenage earlier in his career, saying that Boyd is ‘as honest as they come’.

Speaking after Saturday’s match, Bruce told the Guardian: “He’s tried to talk and something has come out. That’s what I’ve seen. George Boyd wouldn’t do that, definitely wouldn’t do that. No chance.

“Look, George is as honest as they come. He was playing non-league six years ago. If you’re a football player and you’re in that situation, with the goalkeeper hurtling towards you, what are you going to do? Stand there and say ‘go on then, whack me’?”