U.S. reaction to Microsoft ruling unacceptable-EU

(Corrects spelling of "unacceptable" in second paragraph)

BRUSSELS, Sept 19 (Reuters) - EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes shot back on Wednesday against criticism from the United States of a European court ruling this week that Microsoft (MSFT.O) broke antitrust laws.

"I think it is totally unacceptable that a representative of the U.S. administration criticises an independent court of law outside its jurisdiction," Kroes told reporters.

"The European Commission does not pass judgment on rulings by a U.S. court and we expect the same level of respect."

The Justice Department said on Monday it was "concerned" about the Court of First Instance's "unilateral" decision on to uphold a European Commission antitrust ruling against Microsoft, saying it could hurt consumers and discourage innovation.