Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce is furious that Wilson Palacios and Amr Zaki have been branded divers.

Bruce is fuming that Manchester City manager Mark Hughes pointed a finger at his Honduran midfielder and Egyptian striker.

Bruce rapped: "Wilson does not cheat, he is as tough as old boots. He can't understand the fuss. He was waiting for the challenge, there was contact and everybody even heard it.

"Wilson was making sure he got out of the road. If you are grounded, you are going to get hurt - look at Didier Drogba."

Bruce also defended his top scorer Zaki. He said: "I would never ask a player to dive. I would not let them do that."