Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Puel: Candreva should have been sent packing
CLAUDE Puel insisted Inter Milan’s Antonio Candreva should have been sent off after Sam McQueen claimed the Italian elbowed him during Southampton’s 2-1 Europa League victory.
The result takes Southampton to the brink of the competition’s knockout stages, as well as ensuring a memorable evening against one of the most recognisable names in European football.
Virgil van Dijk’s equalising goal and an own goal from Yuto Nagatomo secured victory after Mauro Icardi had given Inter the lead.
Victory from their trip to Sparta Prague or home game with Hapoel Be’er Sheva would guarantee qualification.
Puel was thrilled with the way his side fought back to win but felt they could have received more help from the referee.
Candreva was booked in the first half after he appeared to strike McQueen with his forearm shortly after Southampton were awarded a penalty for handball.
When asked if the Italian midfielder should have been given a red card, Puel said: “Of course. And perhaps also I thought with the first goal Virgil was fouled.
“It was important for us to come back with calm and quality.
“In a game that was difficult we can show fantastic character.”
DUNDALK coach Stephen Kenny knows his side have qualification for the Europa League last 32 in their own hands.
Zenit St Petersburg coach Mircea Lucescu also tipped the underdogs to go through after his side secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Irishmen in Russia.
Kenny said: “The journey does not have to stop over the next couple of games, we still believe we can go on and qualify for the last 32.”