Hull City manager Steve Bruce has insisted that striker George Boyd would never deliberately spit at a player following an incident with Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

The accusations have emerged after Hart became angry at Boyd for going to ground following a challenge during City's 2-0 victory over Hull on Saturday.

Hart appeared to move his head towards the 28-year-old forward, who believes that the England number one should have been sent off for his reaction.

"[Boyd] has tried to talk and shout and something's come out," BBC Sport quotes Bruce as saying. "That's what I've seen of it.

"George Boyd wouldn't do that, no chance. Not deliberately, anyway. He is as honest as they come - he was playing non-league six years ago."

The Tigers are 13th in the Premier League table, five points clear of the relegation zone.