Gracia calls for VAR more help

HOOPER’S TWO HOWLERS

WATFORD boss Javi Gracia said he would back a referees’ vote on VAR after a tough afternoon for the officials at St Mary’s.

The Hornets were denied a penalty just before the hour mark, while Southampton had a goal unfairly ruled out.

Gracia sympathised with referee Simon Hooper but said he would be open to video technology if officials demand it.

“If they want it, I agree,” said the Spaniard. “If they think it helps them to do their job better, I support them.

“I say this because I know it’s not easy. Sometimes in training sessions I’m the referee. I know it’s very, very difficult to manage all the players, all of them complaining.”

If Hooper fancies a pre-Christmas getaway, he should probably avoid the south coast.

Because he is unlikely to be welcome in Southampton any time soon after an error-strewn performance that left boss Mark Hughes and his players fuming. SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1): McCarthy 6; Cedric 6, Yoshida 6, Hoedt 6, Bertrand 6; Hojbjerg 6, Lemina 6; GABBIADINI 7, Armstrong 6 (Ward-Prowse 74), Redmond 6 (Obafemi 89); Ings 6 (Austin 40, 6). Subs: Gunn, Vestergaard, Stephens, Elyounoussi.

UP NEXT: Fulham (a), Premier League, Saturday November 24.

WATFORD (4-4-2): Foster 6; Femenia 6, Cathcart 6, Mariappa 6, Holebas 6; HUGHES 6 (Deeney 40, 6), Chalobah 6, Doucoure 6, Pereyra 5 (Gray 68, 6); Deulofeu 6, Success 6. Subs: Gomes, Kabasele, Wilmot, Masina, Okaka.

UP NEXT: Liverpool (h), Premier League, Saturday November 24.

Referee: Simon Hooper 3.

YOUR TURN: Which England striker was the last man to score a hat-trick in a Saints-Watford game?