BERLIN (AFP) -- Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will issue his players with a code of conduct over the Christmas break after captain Oliver Kahn was suspended and fined 25,000 euros (37,000 U.S. dollars).

Hitzfeld said on Wednesday he will issue the code to prevent the German giants becoming a ""madhouse"" of players criticizing each other and will leave his squad in no uncertain terms what is required of them on and off the field.
The 58-year-old Bayern boss came down hard on captain Kahn, handing him a one-match ban and hefty fine on Tuesday, just a day after the goalkeeper criticized star players Franck Ribery and Luca Toni.
Kahn also left Saturday night's Christmas party early, after making little effort to mingle, and was later seen in a hotel bar, prompting Hitzfeld to discipline his captain.
""I just want to send out a clear message to the squad so that everyone knows that we have to stay as a tight community,"" Hitzfeld told German agency SID.
""And that no player criticizes a colleague, otherwise we would have a madhouse.""
According to Hitzfeld, Kahn broke the unofficial players' code of honor with his public criticism of Toni and Ribery after a thinly-veiled attack on their consistency.
""It is important that the captain, of all people, sets the example,"" said Hitzfeld with Kahn missing in training on Wednesday with pain in his back.
With Bayern top of the league and aiming to pick up as much silverware as possible this season, Hitzfeld wants to stamp out any internal friction which may become a ""side issue"" for the squad.
""We have so many characters and young players, so it is important they can orientate themselves with what is expected,"" said Hitzfeld.
""I don't want there to be any side issues.""
Kahn will miss Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Hertha Berlin at the Olympic Stadium in the German capital, but is expected to return for next Wednesday's UEFA Cup match with Greek side Aris Saloniki at the Allianz Arena.
""The captain has a duty as a role model and he did not behave correctly at the Christmas party,"" said Hitzfeld.
""We can't have the captain going home early or being seen elsewhere.""
But despite being made an example, Kahn will remain as Bayern skipper.
""Olli remains captain and I want him to be in a strong position within the team,"" said Hitzfeld.
But with just two wins in the last six league games, Bayern are wobbling at the top of the Bundesliga and last Saturday's 0-0 draw with strugglers Duisburg did nothing to calm the nerves.
""There is a tremendous nervousness prevailing here after the performances of the last few weeks,"" said goalkeeping coach Sepp Maier.
""The gentlemen in charge seem very far away from the team at the moment and perhaps wander down to watch training for only a few minutes.""