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Russell Martin frustrated at VAR decision and explains full time bust-up with Fabian Hurzeler

Russell Martin was frustrated at a VAR decision and also explains the full time bust-up with Fabian Hurzeler after the game.

Kaoru Mitoma put hosts Brighton ahead during the first half; Flynn Downes levelled for visitors before VAR confirms on-field decision to rule out a Cameron Archer strike.

VAR confirmed the decision after a four-and-a-half-minute check deemed the offside, saying Adam Armstrong had interfered as the ball flashed past him in the area.

Premier League Match Centre tweeted: “The referee’s call of no goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Armstrong was in an offside position and deemed to be impacting Verbruggen’s ability to play the ball.”

This was something Southampton boss Russell Martin disagreed with.

“If we are disallowing the goal because the goalkeeper is impeded by Adam Armstrong or affected,” said Martin, “then it is a clear and obvious error because he hasn’t moved and he can’t get the cross and it goes behind Adam. So, that’s a bad decision.”

Meanwhile, Fabian Hurzeler and Russell Martin got into a heated confrontation after the game, with both managers feeling a lack of respect for one another.

Southampton manager Russell Martin, speaking to Sky Sports: “The first half we lacked aggression and belief after going a goal behind. I asked for the players a bit more conviction in their actions.

“Brighton had too many moments. Then the decision late on, I am fed up talking about it, I dont want to be that guy.

“I respect how difficult the decision is for the referee and the assistant referee. It is really difficult, but I find it hard to accept.

“I think it is [clear and obvious]. I am told it effects the goalkeeper.

“We were told it effects 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 effected the goalkeeper.

“This is the point with VAR, I would rather the guy make a mistake on the pitch and we go, “no problem”.

“I still thinks it’s a penalty [against Liverpool last weekend]. Me and Howard [Webb] will argue for ages about it and we have.

“It is still human error in my opinion. The mistake is, it’s not clear and obvious enough to be corrected.

“The on-field decision carries weight. I am frustrated, but I am really proud of my players.”

 Martin told BBC Sport: “I liked a lot of it. I think we have been better than that and not got a point.

“Second half I really liked. First half a lack of conviction and aggression in certain moments. They responded brilliantly. Good performance against a good team.”

On the disallowed goal: “It was a good goal. We had some clarity on the decision. I have so much respect for how difficult it is for referees and assistants on the pitch. I understand why they would give it in the heat of the moment but that’s why VAR is there. I’d understand if the ball went in to Adam or it was close enough for him [the keeper] to come for. He didn’t motion for the ball.

“[If] we have something for offsides, do it. There’s not a grey area with technology. It’s either offside or it’s not. Well tonight it’s not. If it’s made in the heat of moment you can accept it easier. But when you have to wait so long and the decision is still… The goalkeeper wasn’t affected.”

On the goal which stood: “Brilliant finish. A really good move from back to front. I liked the courage. We need to keep turning the screw. If they keep giving us everything the results will change.

“They have been creeping up with belief. We’ve had a difficult level of opponent. We were excellent and went toe to toe with a team who have gone second.”

On his words with Fabian Hurzeler at the end: “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.”

 Martin, speaking to Sky Sports: “We feel like we have been so close so many times.

“They are a brilliant group to work with, they are growing all the time and they’re with us.

“I believe at some results will change and they will get what they deserve.

“For us, we don’t want to give up dominating the ball as much as we can. For us, it is what makes us, us.

“We lacked a bit off punch and creatively and we went with two strikers upfront.

“Maybe that makes us vulnerable at times because we have two players high.

“I want to watch a team who I feel proud of. I don’t want to cross my fingers watching us defend for a long time.

“I think we are trying to find a balance still. Tonight the boys managed the game better.”

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to Sky Sports: “It was not the best game from us regarding our intensity and positional game.

“We only deserve the result like this.

“We should have finished the game in the first half, but we didn’t and then we got punished.

“We had to make some changes and we tried to get an impact on the game.

“We have to keep working and it’s a process, it takes time and we have to improve for the next game.”

On his aims going forward: “Don’t focus on the results, focus more on the performance, try to improve the individual players and the results will come.

“You have to focus on the small details if you want to win in the Premier League.

“We should see what the reality is, the reality is we have a lot of hard work to do.”

On his yellow card: “It is not a yellow card. I received a yellow card. It is difficult to explain.”

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler told BBC Sport: “Not the best game from us regarding intensity, how we pressed out of possession, how we used our chances. We only deserved a draw.

“When a team presses you man to man it’s not too easy to control the game. We tried to find the way. We managed it in the first half but not the second half.”

On Mitoma’s strengths: “His work-ethic, trying to be the best version every day, trying to listen.

“We should be disappointed becuase we wanted to win at home, to present the fans another win and we weren’t able to. It’s part of the process we have to keep going and winning these games.”

On why he was booked: “I don’t know. I didn’t say anything. You have to be careful with questions you ask [afterwards about officials].”

Southampton’s Flynn Downes and Tyler Dibling, speaking to Sky Sports.

Downes said: “It is massive to come here with the form they’re on – they’re a good team. We knew it would be tough, but we will take a point.”

On Dibling’s form: “It is crazy. He is getting better every week. Hopefully he carries on and he’ll have some career.”

On his first Premier League goal: “What a feeling. To do it in front of the fans, they have been so good this year.

“Hopefully this is a turning point in our season.”

Dibling said: “We get another goal disallowed. I feel like we have been unlucky this season. It is another point and we need to step up from there.

“Russell trusts to play me. It is good to get a run of games and show people what I can do.”

On his confidence: “It is just how I play, no matter who I play against. I have always been like that.”

Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley: “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.

“We tried to win but we weren’t good enough.

“I feel good physically which is positive. I’d like to contribute more. It’s nice to be back playing. I feel like I’m getting fitter every day.”

Twitter users reacted with Russell Martin frustrated at the VAR decision and explains a full time bust-up with Fabian Hurzeler…

@AshleySymonds_: Does this guy ever stop crying honestly 🤷🏻‍♂️

@rosspb: It’s pretty simple really, he’s offside, moves forward & tries to play the ball & the keeper cant move across his goal to cover the other players run because he’s making an attempt & is there, so he’s interfering in play.

@WanchopePaulo: Like yourself screaming for Carlos to be sent off last season. Hypocrite

@ethanhunt1961: Have you got the clip of him screaming like a Banshee at the officials at West Brom v Southampton last season? Trying to get Corberan sent off for kicking the ball on the halfway line when he thought it had gone out?

@Baggieboy75Mike: Short memory this wanker 😂😂😂

@SimonDa02190835: I was very disappointed with the BHA players. They went down so easily it was laughable. The game is now less about playing the game than ‘playing the game’. Hope that makes sense.

@baggies_rich69: Liar. Ask him about Carlos Corberan last season.

@adrian_newnham: I don’t think he was screaming for PLAYERS to be booked. Maybe one player in particular Downes who was booked early on then was allowed to commit 5 more tactical fouls before scoring an equaliser. He commits one more after it and then Martin subs him .

@sjh_bhafc: Lost count the amount of times Mitoma & Ayari were fouled. Downes should have been sent off before he scored. An VAR was wrong as both players were off side! 🤧

@AliJones9: Just seen this highlighted by my mate @WanchopePaulo The sheer front of this man. I’m sat 20 yards away from the dugouts. He screamed at the fourth official to get Carlos sent off at our place. The blokes fucking unbelievable

@Sabxn7: Goes on about respect, yet screamed his head off to get Carlos sent off last season #WBA

@WBADyl: Bit like he did with Corberan 9 months ago… massive wanker #wba

@MattS_121098: You got Carlos sent off you hypocritical wanker

@wba_mitch: This guy man. Screaming like a baby to get Corberan sent off last year and now spouting this rubbish

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