West Ham United No2 Steve Clarke has rapped Sunderland boss Steve Bruce for his criticism of Herita Ilunga.

Bruce criticised Ilunga's reaction to a shove from Kenwyne Jones, claiming it "left a lot to be desired", and also added it was a "ploy" by the Hammers medical staff to run onto the pitch and make the most of the incident by applying ice-packs to the player's face.

Clarke spoke out in defence of Ilunga - and told Bruce he should keep his opinions of opposition players to himself.

"I find it incredible that a player who was the victim is the person everyone is talking about," said Clarke, in reference to Ilunga, the former Toulouse left-back.

"Tell me what Ilunga did wrong? Someone pushed him in the face. He'd just recently recovered from a triple fracture to the jaw - maybe he thought there was a punch coming.

"It was wrong of Steve Bruce to comment on our players. I find it incredible we are here talking about our player, when he was the victim. This is wrong, it's completely wrong.

"There was no over-reaction; he has to protect himself. He's a big boy, Kenwyne Jones."