Stoke City No2 Mark Bowen wants Steven Nzonzi to cut down the theatrics.
Bowen knows fans are targeting Nzonzi for his antics.
He told The Sentinel: "I know the crowd have seen Steven a lot longer than we have, but it's just his manner.
"There was an incident in the build up to Southampton's goal against us a couple of weeks ago when he was waving his arms like he was having a pop at Peter Crouch.
"But the two came in at half-time and Steven was apologising profusely, explaining he wasn't having a go at Crouchy, but he was angry with himself for playing a bad pass.
"He tends to throw his arms up in frustration because he's a very good player who doesn't like making mistakes, but he can't afford to do that.
"It's his personality, but he can't show it. He leaves himself open to be a target, for opposition players who think they can wind him up as much as anyone else.
"We saw that when there was the incident with Chico Flores last week. He needs to take that on board because clubs will see his reaction and think they can get him sent off."
