Hull City boss Steve Bruce claims that a "soft" free-kick decision led to Manchester City's late equaliser against his side in their 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has lamented a "soft" free kick which led to Manchester City's late equaliser against his side in their 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

The Tigers took the lead in the first half through David Meyler and looked on their way to be taking an unlikely three points from the Premier League clash.

However, City were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area in the 91st minute when Sergio Aguero was brought down, and James Milner curled his strike into the top corner to rescue a point for Manuel Pellegrini's men.

Bruce told BBC Sport: "If you'd offered a point of course I'd have taken it. What we wanted after last week was effort and endeavour. There was a response. In the first half in particular it was a terrific performance. It is a shame because it is cruel. We did enough to win the match.

"It is a soft free kick. Sergio Aguero is a fantastic player but to me it looks like a tiny arm on the shoulder. I suppose they had a big call for a penalty but two wrongs don't make a right.

"Late goals erode a bit of confidence. I think that is five times it has happened now. It is a frustration but the performance was the most important thing. We have shown enough to see we can stay in this division. Let's hope we can keep it up."

Hull are 17th in the Premier League following their draw with City, outside of the drop zone on goal difference.