SAINTS boss Russell Martin has called for referees to take more accountability for their decisions following “frustrating” meeting with PGMOL officials.
Saints were defeated during their last outing before the final international break of the year, falling to a 2-0 defeat as Wolves moved off the bottom of the table at their expense.
Two controversial VAR decisions overshadowed the game, with Ryan Manning’s first-half equaliser being ruled out after a lengthy check, before Mateus Cunha’s goal – and Wolves’ second – standing despite a potential foul in the build-up.
Martin and Saints ownership had a meeting over the international break with Referee Chief Howard Webb, although the Southampton boss revealed that he still has an issue with the decisions from this game.
He said: “As a club, we had a meeting with PGMOL and the owners as well, and I have to say it is not an easy job for Howard Webb and I think he does it really well.
“I still have an issue with the first goal, and the second goal for sure, and I also have an issue with them coming out and saying it is the correct decision.
“I think if we are going to improve VAR and make it better, we need real honesty and accountability, so for it to come out as a correct decision in the match review after, it is frustrating.
“It is subjective, however. The second goal for sure they should take longer on analysing it. Ryan Manning’s goal is open to interpretation, but I still think it is the wrong decision as it isn’t a clear and obvious error.
“However, it is what it is and it’s happened. I don’t want to be out here moaning about decisions all the time, but I don’t think I’ve done that. This one just felt really unjust and wrong.
“I would love it to go back to a bit of human error and let it balance out, because making a mistake after a process like that is extra frustrating.”
With no international break now until March, Saints have eight games in the Premier League between now and the new year, with their next five coming against top-half opposition.
This Sunday sees them host league leaders Liverpool at St Mary’s, with Arne Slot’s men unbeaten in all competitions since their defeat to Nottingham Forest on September 14th – the Reds’ only loss since the Dutchman took over in the summer.
