Managers are well aware of their responsibilities says Huddersfield Town boss Chris Powell

Chris Powell says managers are well aware they are the “focal point” of their clubs and so have a responsibility to behave in the right way.

But he also points to the pressures of the job as an explanation for the spat between Steve Bruce, one of his predecessors as Huddersfield Town manager, and Gus Poyet.

The pair clashed during Tuesday’s 1-1 Premier League draw between Hull City and Sunderland at the KC Stadium.

Sunderland manager Poyet has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association over kicking a water bottle carrier.

Poyet was sent to the stands by referee Mike Dean in the 35th minute for reacting badly to a yellow card for midfielder Jack Rodwell for diving.

He kicked over the water bottle carrier in the dug-out and then confronted Bruce, who had to be restrained by an assistant referee and his own coaching staff.

Bruce, who bossed Town from May 1999 until October 2000, described it as “grown men acting like children”, blaming the incident on the “heat of the moment”.

And Powell said: “In the vast majority of cases, managers show due respect to each other. We understand out responsibilities as the focal point of our clubs.

“But the stakes are high at all levels of the game and every now and then, people go over the top.

“You see a situation like that between Steve and Gus and it is highlighted because it is fairly rare.

“Choice words are sometimes exchanged, but they are usually followed by handshakes.”

Steve Evans, who brings his Rotherham United side to the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday, is no stranger to controversy.

“I know Steve quite well from when he was manager of Crawley Town and I worked at Charlton Athletic, not too far away,” added Powell.

“Steve has had some fun and games in the dug-out, but I will do my best not to get involved in anything.

“He maybe goes over the top with some of his comments, but perhaps that’s the way he feels he needs to be.

“If that’s his management style, so be it.”

Rotherham, who have won consecutive promotions, are 21st in the Championship to Town’s 16th.