Hull Manager Phil Brown

Hull manager Phil Brown has told star striker Geovanni he must calm down or get used to the bench after revealing he opted not to fine the Brazilian for his angry outburst at the weekend.

The playmaker shook his head and stared aggressively at Brown after realising he was to be substituted during Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Barclays Premier League relegation rivals Blackburn, and appeared to continue with a furious rant after taking his seat on the bench.

"He was very apologetic for his actions," Brown said. "But as far as I was concerned his actions were those of an angry man, as opposed to a composed man, and that's what I'm looking for."

He added: "I'm looking for players who go across the white line and compose themselves, and can respect the decision (to substitute him) for the reasons it was taken.

"It was taken for the right reasons. If I printed the stats it would be there for everybody to see. But I'm not going to wash dirty clothes in public."

Reports have suggested Geovanni was fined by Brown for his fit of pique, but the City manager denies that is the case.

"It's not written in his contract that if he storms off and gets the huff that you can fine him," Brown said. "I'm a big boy, but he won't be doing it to me again - that's for sure.

"But it's between me and Geo, it's in-house, it will remain in-house, and he's got an opportunity on Wednesday to do something about it."

The 29-year-old was taken off as part of a double substitution just eight minutes into the second half on Sunday, following a largely ineffectual display which was typical of his recent dip in form.