/ Andy Naylor, Chief sports reporter
Albion boss Chris Hughton has ordered his players to stop the backchat to refs after another red card for Dale Stephens.
The midfielder, sent-off in the promotion decider at Middlesbrough in May, was dismissed again in last night’s 0-0 draw at Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich.
Stephens received two yellow cards from ref Andy Davies, the first for dissent. Gaetan Bong missed last night’s game as a result of his fifth caution of the season, also for dissent, against Barnsley on Saturday.
Hughton told The Argus: “It’s something that every club has got to learn but certainly us this season. Gaetan gets a ban because of a booking for dissent and the same with Dale.
“We’ve got to learn. I know Dale’s frustration because it was a definite foul on him. The ref is right there, sees it, but what Dale has to do is not vent his anger, because referees are going to book you these days.”
Stephens got his marching orders eight minutes from time following a foul on Jonathan Douglas.
“I’ve got no problem with the second one,” Hughton said. “He’s attempted to go for the ball but it was a yellow card.”
Hughton was satisfied with a point and a fourth clean sheet in succession, which kept Albion in third place.
He said: “I think you have to (stay) in a game where we have not been at our best and are away from home. It’s a tough place, Mick’s teams are always very well-drilled and work very hard and are very physical. We perhaps didn’t show enough of the qualities needed away from home to get a result. On the balance of play I’m happy.”
Stephens and regular midfield partner Beram Kayal (ankle) miss Saturday’s revenge mission at play-off conquerors Sheffield Wednesday.
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