Hull City manager Steve Bruce has played down his touchline spat with Sunderland counterpart Gus Poyet in Tuesday evening's 1-1 draw at the KC Stadium, claiming that "these things happen in the heat of the moment".

The Uruguayan was sent to the stands after appearing to kick over a water cooler full of drinks following the decision of referee Mike Dean to book Jack Rodwell for diving.

Poyet offered to shake Bruce's hand, but after the gesture was refused, the Black Cats boss clapped, and the linesman had to hold the Tigers manager back as things appeared close to boiling over.

Bruce told BBC Sport after the game: "The big contentious issue is Jack Rodwell running through and then from where I was standing he dived and the referee called it right. From Gus's reaction he thought it was wrong.

"We all get carried away with ourselves. I think I'll let Gus Poyet explain. What it had to do with me I'm not too sure. I'll let him speak to the cameras.

"These things happen in the heat of the moment. Grown men acting like a couple of children. They happen in big games."

Hull remain 15th in the Premier League table following the draw.