ALEX Bruce today thanked Ipswich Town fans for their support and said they deserve Premier League football.And if it had not been for three bad refereeing decisions in the last three games he insists the team would be much closer to achieving this.

Elvin King

ALEX Bruce today thanked Ipswich Town fans for their support and said they deserve Premier League football.

And if it had not been for three bad refereeing decisions in the last three games he insists the team would be much closer to achieving this.

But Bruce also made a plea for every supporter to get behind the team in Sunday's derby against Norwich City at Portman Road.

“There were some boos last night, and it does affect you out on the pitch,” said Bruce,

“But we ignored it and rolled our sleeves up to play much better in the second period.

“No one wants promotion more than the players, and when we have been at our best this season it has been when we have had our fans behind us as 12th man.

“OK, we did not play well in the first 45 minutes and we conceded a sloppy goal, but we did not always get the support that makes all the difference.

“Our fans are Premier League class and have been fantastic this season - and this is where we want to take them.”

Danny Haynes had a 90th minute 'goal' disallowed for a push in a crowded penalty area as players from both sides competed for the ball.

“It was a poor decision,” stormed Bruce. “I have seen the video and it was six of one and half a dozen of the other.

“Some may say I am clutching at straws and making excuses, but facts are facts.

“The ball was clearly over the line in the 0-0 draw with QPR and Danny (Haynes) was onside when he headed what would have been an equaliser at Colchester on Saturday.

“And now we have last night's mistake. They were three horrendous decisions.

“And don't forget last night we were playing against the FA Cup finalists.

“Promotion is still in our hands, but we need our fans behind us.”