Watford captain Troy Deeney insists he won't stop speaking his mind.
Deeney was censored by the FA last week for claiming referee David Coote had “bottled" red card decisions – on both sides – in the 3-3 draw at Bournemouth .
But Deeney used his programme notes at the Hornets' stalemate with Burnley to explain why he won't be silenced.
He said: “So I'm a few quid lighter. It's a good time to make it clear that I meant no disrespect by what I said to the ref – I was calling it as I saw it.
“And I was clear that I felt we should have been worse off for some decisions, not just the other team as you so often hear managers and players say.
“It's quite frustrating because I like to be as open as I can.
“There's nothing worse, after a draw or a defeat, than players getting on social media and sending out an inane picture with a message about how the fans were great and we go again next week.
“I think we can take that for granted when it comes to the challenges of professional football.
“It would be great if there were more opportunities for players and officials to join managers in giving a thorough review of what happened without the threat of being castigated for saying something that might go against the accepted norm.
“The broadcasters always make it clear to us, when they get the chance to chat away from the mics, that they are looking for insight, for something different.
“I hope I can always find an opportunity to be open with my thoughts because we owe it to everyone watching to give a decent assessment of what they are paying to look at.
“So I've learned my lesson. Will it happen again? Maybe one day but, like this time, it won't be malicious, deliberate or disrespectful in my eyes."