Butt set to miss Iron clash

Last updated : 19 September 2005 By Chris Mumby
Referee Dermot Gallagher brandished a straight red card to the 30-year-old former Manchester United midfielder after he kicked out at Dario Silva.

Butt, who is on loan from Newcastle, will be handed a three-match ban - and as well as missing Tuesday's clash he will will be absent for the Blues' games with Liverpool and Arsenal.

"This is a man's game and that's why the Premiership is watched all over the world," fumed boss Steve Bruce.

"We are English and we like to see tempers and a few fisticuffs. There were 20,000 people in the stadium who paid to watch on Saturday and millions more will watch it on television around the world. We are in danger of turning the game soft.

"Nicky Butt showed a bit of petulance by kicking out, but he didn't make contact with his opponent and I don't understand why he was sent off."

City are set to put out a full-strength side against the Iron as they aim to progress in a competition which, if they win, could see them qualify for Europe.

Another player unlikely to be involved on Tuesday night is midfielder David Dunn, who looks set to makes his comeback from injury in next Monday night's reserve game with West Brom.

"He is a big, big player for us and it will be like having a new player when he returns," added Bruce.

"We need to have that bit of luck if we are going to be successful in hoping that Dunny, Emile Heskey, Mikael Forssell, Muzzy Izzet and Stan Lazaridis all stay physically fit.

"He has got another week or so of serious training and we hope he will be ready after that. I don't think he could be in better shape."