Southampton boss Russell Martin has revealed that he received an apology from the referees’ body over a decision in their defeat to Leicester City last weekend.
In a dramatic afternoon at St Mary’s, City came from two goals down to win, Jordan Ayew scoring in the 98th minute to clinch the three points. However, with the score at 2-1 to the Saints, City were perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty, and it seems referees’ group Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) retrospectively agrees.
From a corner, Ayew held onto the shirt of Southampton striker Paul Onuachu, preventing him from getting a clean run at the ball, with Mads Hermansen eventually punching clear. While nothing was given at the time, it seems PGMOL believe it was a mistake not to award a spot-kick.
Speaking after he picked up a yellow card for remonstrating a decision during their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, Martin revealed the apology he had received in the week. The Southampton Daily Echo report that he was referring to the Ayew incident.
Asked about his booking, one that earns him a touchline ban, Martin said: “I don’t really speak out about that but I’m going to miss next week’s game for throwing my arms up in the air at a bad decision. We had an apology last week about a decision that was made that we weren’t given. I didn’t say anything after the game in the press but today I am.”
After Wolves came back to draw with Brighton, Southampton now sit bottom of the table, with just one point from nine fixtures. City are eight points clear of the Saints.
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