Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has challenged referee Alan Muir to be strong in tonight’s Premiership match against Hearts at Tynecastle.
Hearts have been awarded 12 penalties in home matches this season and Hughes hopes the official will not be intimidated by the passionate and partisan Gorgie support.
He said: “The number penalties awarded alarms me and having watched the two they got against Kilmarnock on Saturday I’m not sure either one should have been given.
“The game is hard enough and referees have to get those decisions right.
“Tynecastle is an intimidating place to go to and we will need a strong referee.”
Caley Thistle have won four of their last five meetings with the Jambos and Hughes insisted Tynecastle will not affect his players.
He said: “My players need to express themselves and not be intimidated. It can intimidate home players too.
“I’ve seen players lose their composure when the supporters get anxious and turn against them and that’s what we have to try to do.
“Hearts can mix it, they have a bit of everything in their game. They recruit well, have good young players and can play a bit too. They are a good football team and can go toe-to-toe with opponents physically, but that’s why players go to the gymnasium and I don’t have a problem with it.
“We’re on a good run and have good momentum so going to Hearts holds no fears for us. Tynecastle should inspire us and while I have great respect for Hearts and the wonderful season they’ve had, it is a game we are looking forward to.”
Hughes knows his players will have to improve their defensive work after letting their lead slip at Dundee on Saturday when they conceded a late equaliser.
He said: “It was very unlike us to lose a late goal, but credit to Dundee as they deserved something from the game.
“To lose a goal in the last five minutes was frustrating and several players could have done better, but to take a point away from home when we haven’t played at our best tells me we’re a good side.
“We’re looking forward to the Hearts game and if we look after the ball better, improve our passing and defend a bit better we’ll give them a game.”