Yogi warns Hibs to stay composed

Published on Tuesday 8 December 2009 08:52

HIBS boss John Hughes has urged his players to maintain their composure on the pitch – and make it as difficult as possible for referees to increase their card count.

Rangers striker Kris Boyd was booked at the weekend for lifting his shirt to show his stomach to the Falkirk supporters after scoring in his team's 3-1 victory, while five players were sent off as Hearts went down 2-1 to Hamilton.

Hughes is a stickler for discipline himself but feels that too many soft yellow cards have been dished out in recent weeks and doesn't want his side to suffer the same fate.

He's determined to avoid costly suspensions and said: "Overall discipline is something that Brian Rice and I have talked to the players about since the start of the season. We're always looking to improve on that, and not just because of what has happened in the last few weeks.

"When I was a player it used to be a big deal if someone got booked but nowadays it's like water off a duck's back because they're becoming so common.

"People have got to understand that football is a passionate game, that's what makes so many people watch it. Football is full of character and I think we have to try to keep as much of that in the game as possible.

"But the game is changing and we just have to go along with it and I have said to my players that they will have to watch their discipline on and off the park.

"Referees and players have to try to help one another out wherever it's possible. They have to understand what the players are going through and the emotions that they're experiencing.

But I think that we all have to realise that we're role models for younger players and kids and we owe it to them to do the best we can for everyone, no matter what side we're on."