'Treason' - Steve Bruce lashes out at 'wholly disgusting' Newcastle leak after training ground bust-up

The Toon boss came under scrutiny earlier in the week when it was revealed that he and the winger had been involved in a heated exchange following a disagreement in the aftermath of last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Wolves.

Ritchie has since apologised for the incident, but speaking to talkSPORT on Friday morning, Bruce admitted that he was left disgusted by the fact that news of the episode made its way to the press.

He said: “These things happen, believe me, in training grounds up and down the country every other week.

"But of course at Newcastle and that’s the disappointing thing and the unfortunate thing, that we have somebody close to us who is unfortunately informing a reporter who delights in writing negativity, certainly about myself and the club. He enjoys it.

"So that’s the disappointing thing. These things happen in training grounds with men in particular very, very often, believe me. Of course, nothing gets reported, but at Newcastle, it’s a huge story and that’s what we have to deal with.

"The story that the journalist got gets it correct. Whether that’s good journalism or what, I’ll let others decide”.

Bruce went on to deny allegations that he had personally leaked a story to the press about his plans to drop goalkeeper Karl Darlow in favour of fellow stopper Martin Dubravka.

He said: “Some parts of the story, and I have to say I was disgusted to read that I got to a newspaper to reveal and give an exclusive that I was leaving my goalkeeper out.

"It’s wholly untrue and these are the fall-outs for stories like that. Now it’s licence to print what you want and lies.”

When asked if he was focused on finding out who had leaked the news involving him and Ritchie, Bruce said: “I’ve got more important things than trying to find that out.

"We’re all disappointed, of course we are, and why wouldn’t we be? It borders on treason, if you like.

"It’s wholly disgusting, but I’ve got more important things, a big game [against West Brom on Sunday] coming up.”