Cheick Tiote: 'Reputation leads to yellow cards'

Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote believes that his uncompromising reputation leads to unfair treatment from referees in the Premier League.

Tiote was booked for the 12th time this season in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Swansea City, despite appearing to make minimal contact with Nathan Dyer.

The Ivory Coast international believes that he scarcely deserved last weekend's caution but has vowed not to let the decision affect his all-action style.

He told The Mirror: "I don't know why I was booked. I tried to take the ball but I didn't touch anyone. The referee made a decision though and I have to accept that.

"I think sometimes I get punished because people know I have a lot of bookings already in England. I think sometimes this happens. On Saturday I wasn't at fault but I got a booking.

"That's football though, I just need to concentrate on my game and not let it affect me. I think my discipline is better now than last season. I need to keep doing the same things and to continue to improve in that way."

The 29-year-old has been booked 41 times since joining Newcastle in 2010.