Martin disputes 'nonsense' booking with boss set for touchline ban

SAINTS manager Russell Martin lamented a "nonsense" booking in the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City that means he will serve a one-match touchline ban.

Martin, 38, was yellow carded for protesting referee Tony Harrington's decision to caution Flynn Downes for what replays showed was a fair challenge.

Martin disputes any wrongdoing as he protested the decision and that he would accept a card if he had used insulting language.

After bookings against Manchester United and Leicester City, Martin will now sit in the stands for the next game for yellow card accumulation.

"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," said Martin.

"It's a bad decision because Flynn takes the ball and gets booked. I didn't swear at the fourth official, I threw my arms up in the air at a bad decision and I got booked.

"I'm not happy about that because I miss a game next week. If I'm wrong and I deserve a yellow card, then I hold my hands up.

"But today, I think that's nonsense. I'll probably get fined for that as well, but it is nonsense."

Martin also revealed Saints received an acknowledgement from the PGMOL after they did not get a decision they should have in the 3-2 defeat to Leicester City.

The Daily Echo understands that the decision was Paul Onuachu being denied a penalty by Anthony Taylor for a shirt pull inside the area.

"We had an apology last week about a decision that we weren't given. I didn't say anything after the game in the press, but today I am," Martin added.