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Monday, 23 December, 2002, 14:04 GMT

Birmingham top indiscipline list

Birmingham City have the worst disciplinary record in the Premiership going into the Christmas period.

The newcomers to the top-flight this season have battled their way to a respectable 13th place but could suffer for their indiscipline during the second-half of the season.

Blues boss Steve Bruce believes referees need to be less forthcoming in brandishing cards and it is no surprise with his side suffering more than most.

Top offenders

  • Birmingham 3 Red 47 Yellow
  • Fulham 5R 34Y
  • Leeds 1R 44Y
  • Aston Villa 2R 37Y
  • Blackburn 3R 32Y
  • Middlesbrough 3R 32Y
  • Chelsea 1R 38Y
  • Bolton 2R 33Y
  • West Brom 2R 31Y
  • West Ham 1R 34Y
  • Everton 4R 24Y
  • Arsenal 2R 30Y
  • Man City 3R 25Y
  • Charlton 1R 31Y
  • Tottenham 0R 32Y
  • Sunderland 0R 31Y
  • Southampton 3R 21Y
  • Man Utd 1R 26Y
  • Newcastle 1R 25Y
  • Liverpool 0R 20Y
  • Striker Geoff Horsfield's dismissal against Charlton saw him become the third St Andrews player to get his marching orders this season.

    Bruce's players have been given 47 yellow cards on top of the sendings-off.

    Fulham are second on the list of offenders with five red cards to their name but they do not have as many yellow cards as Birmingham.

    Liverpool have the best disciplinary record and - along with Tottenham and Sunderland - they have not had a player sent off this term.

    Meanwhile, Professional Footballers' Association deuty chief executive Mick McGuire says players are holding back from tackles for fear of punishment.

    "Some players maybe feel they can't tackle," said McGuire.

    "They are trying to win the ball fairly and get sent off.

    "If it is a legitimate attempt to win the ball, one would say 'okay, if he keeps doing it, then you have to look at it.'

    "But there are times during this season where players have been sent off for nothing much more than winning the ball."

    He added: "The referees have a very difficult job and have improved their quality.

    "Sometimes they might want to use their own discretion and can't.

    "When they are advised that is a yellow card, that is a red card, it does not give the players much scope."


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