southampton 2 Tadic (21), Bednarek (60) chelsea 3 Giroud (70, 78), Hazard (75)

Mark Hughes has called for Marcos Alonso to face retrospective punishment for a challenge on Shane Long in Southampton’s demoralising defeat to Chelsea.

Saints boss Hughes hit out at the standard of Premier League refereeing with a dig over English officials being snubbed for the summer’s World Cup.

The former Chelsea striker insisted Alonso should have been sent off for his studs-up tackle on Long at St Mary’s Stadium, where the Blues hit three goals in an eightminute victory blitz.

Spain defender Alonso avoided any sanction for the challenge and a suspension could rule him out of Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final rematch with Saints on April 22.

“It was a poor challenge, it should have been a red card in my view,” said Hughes of the tackle.

“The disappointment was the officials didn’t see it, they were all within a 10 to 15 metre radius. One of them should have seen it.

“It was a poor tackle, and one that could have been more severe for Shane. Chelsea down to 10 men, it could have put a different complexion on things.

“Referees have got to get them right – maybe that’s why they’re not in the World Cup this year. I don’t think he (Alonso) was booked, so maybe people need to look at that again, retrospectively. We’re not here to accuse people, but a decision needs to be made on that because it’s not acceptable.”

Saints were dreaming of a vital win when league debutant Jan Bednarek slotted home to hand them a 2-0 lead, adding to Dusan Tadic’s first-half strike.

Olivier Giroud came off the bench and turned the game on its head, though, scoring twice, with an Eden Hazard effort sandwiched between the Frenchman’s brace. Chelsea boss Antonio Conte refused to comment on Alonso avoiding any punishment, before praising his players for shaking off a woeful first-half showing.

“I must be honest and say I didn’t see this,” said Conte. “In the past I have never complained for a negative situation for my team.

“I was very angry from our first half. In the second half we showed great character, great determination and desire to win the game.”