Yahoo Sports Parker calls for cool heads in Lancashire derby
Burnley boss Scott Parker will warn his players not to lose their heads in the heated atmosphere of the Lancashire derby against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park tomorrow.
Parker was furious after Hannibal Mejbri received a straight red card for a stamp on Stoke City defender Junior Tchamadeu late in their draw on New Year's Day.
And the Clarets manager will make it clear to his squad before the trip to face a 26,000 crowd on hostile territory that maintaining their composure will be key.
"Definitely important and for sure it's a key thing," Parker said.
"We often say you want to be on the line, you don't want to cross it, and I include our fans and the players in that."
He added: "We all need to be responsible and have a level of emotional detachment in certain moments to stay focused.
"Of course, these big derbies and the atmosphere generated can bring something different but as long as people are not crossing the line in terms of my players it will be key."
Blackburn boss John Eustace echoed Parker, particularly after his side had to hang on for over half an hour after Makhtar Gueye was sent off in the reverse fixture in August.
Burnley are second in the table and three points adrift of Championship leaders Leeds United going into Saturday's match, level on points with Sheffield United in third.
