Fabian Hurzeler Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion argues with Russell Martin Manager of Southampton
Fabian Hurzeler and Russell Martin argued after the final whistle
Russell Martin and Fabian Hurzeler clashed on and off the pitch after a bad-tempered stalemate where Saints were denied a late winner by VAR.
Brighton sneaked up to second place in the Premier League while Southampton got a first away point of the season. But both managers were booked on the touchlines before a controversial - and lengthy - VAR call ruled out Cameron Archer’s 67th-minute strike.
And the Scot and the German squared up at the final whistle and continued their quarrel on the pitch.
Hurzeler said: “For me it is important to have respect. You have to ask him. It is important to respect each other and how you talk to each other on the sideline. That is how I got educated.”
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Martin replied: "The manager decided to say something about respect. I've never seen an opposition manager try to get as many players booked as that. Respect is reciprocal and mutual.”
Albion took the lead after 29 minutes when Tariq Lamptey’s cross was allowed to bounce in the Saints boss and Kaoru Mitoma headed home past Saints' fourth-choice goalkeeper Joe Lumley.
The visitors equalised after 59 minutes when Adam Armstrong had two shots blocked in a goalmouth melee before Downes lashed home the loose ball for his first Premier League goal.
Adam Armstrong of Southampton pleads with Referee, Robert Jones
Adam Armstrong was baffled by the decision against him
But the big taking point came after 67 minutes when Archer finished a fine Saints move - started by the excellent Tyler Dibling - but VAR ruled Armstrong was offside and interfering with play.
Martin said: “It was a good goal. We were told it affects Bart Verbruggen ability and if Adam's run moved Verbruggen from his position then I would understand the decision, but he hasn't moved. I cannot see how it has affected the goalkeeper.
"This is the point with VAR, I would rather the guy make a mistake on the pitch and we go: ‘No problem’. The on-field decision carries weight. I am frustrated, but I am really proud of my players."
Albion sub Simon Adingra hit the post in the 10th minute of injury time The point still saw Fabian Hurzeler’s side climb a point above Arsenal and Chelsea - and ahead of Manchester City on their head-to-head record to become Liverpool’s closest challengers going into the weekend.
Hurzeler said: We only deserved a draw. We should focus on performances and not results. And this wasn’t our best performance.”
Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley added: "Not great. Points dropped. We had a lot of chances, especially in the first half, but we weren't ruthless enough. Maybe a lack of intensity, a bit sloppy on the ball, bad decision making, it just wasn't really good enough. If you don't work hard enough you're never going to win.”
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