And boos rang out as Smith walked off the park.

Smith missed large chunks of last season due to suspension but Venables, whose side won 2-1, believes a poor disciplinary record proves a player cares.

"Alan Smith cares, and you can see that he is Leeds through and through," Venables told the Daily Express.

"It works both ways. Football is a competitive game and we just can't go around armed with handbags.

"All players find that the higher they go, the harder it gets physically and as well as being able to play, they also have to protect themselves. They have to try to play the game in a competitive way.

"The guys that don't ever get booked get appreciated by the press and the supporters - and yet a lot of players would say that those players don't care as much as the ones that do get into trouble.

"Those are the players who care passionately about winning. Teams that do well, such as Manchester United, have players like that."

Leeds players picked up 89 yellow and six red cards last season and Venables added: "We may have to temper the passion a bit, but we never want to lose it."