Bolton boss warns Diouf

El Hadji Diouf clashed with Ray Parlour during Sunday's match

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has warned Senegal's El Hadji Diouf to curb his provocative behaviour before it rebounds in the player's face.

During Bolton's 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough on Sunday, the forward incensed the home crowd with his confrontational tactics.

The 23-year-old was booed for a series of incidents, including over-reacting to challenges, constant time-wasting and being aggressive towards opponents Tony McMahon and Ray Parlour.

Middlesbrough 1-1 Bolton

Although Allardyce defended some of Diouf's tactics, he says he will have a word about his other behaviour.

"He's getting people agitated and infuriated and he needs to control that side of his character because it will do us and him no good in the end," Allardyce told the Bolton Evening News.

"He was no doubt a thorn in Boro's side all day long.

"He's improving with every game but he just needs a quiet word to curb the other side that might get him sent off."

Diouf has had a problem with discipline during much of 2004.

Diouf ban increased

Following the African Cup of Nations quarter-final against Tunisia, the forward was forced to serve a four-match international suspension after the Confederation of African Football punished his violent conduct during the match.

When the two-time African Footballer of the Year was due to make his return for Senegal in a 2006 World Cup qualifier last month, he was thrown off the squad after being spotted in a Dakar nightclub on the eve of the match against Liberia.

The Senegalese Football Federation subsequently handed a suspended six-month ban to the player, which means that any future ill-discipline will result in a half-year ban.

Diouf joined Bolton on loan from Liverpool in August, and has scored one goal in eight games.