Hull City manager Steve Bruce has admitted that he expects more "feisty" matches involving his side before the season comes to an end.
The 54-year-old was involved in a touchline clash with Sunderland counterpart Gus Poyet on Tuesday night, with the Black Cats boss being sent to the stands during the 1-1 draw at the KC Stadium.
Bruce was visibly angered by Poyet's actions and had to be restrained by officials during the incident, but he believes that such flashpoints are merely a by-product of tense relegation clashes.
"It was always going to be feisty. We're both fighting for our lives, if it's not feisty we may as well pack up and go home," Bruce told reporters.
"Both teams are in a fight and there'll be games like this from now until the end of the season. We're playing for high stakes so I expect it to be feisty.
"I don't think there was a really bad tackle in the game but it was spiky, it was edgy and I would expect nothing less."
Hull, who now sit 15th in the Premier League table, next face fellow relegation candidates Leicester City on March 14.
Barney Corkhill
