Respected Premier League figure lays down Southampton's biggest FA Cup positive | OneFootball

Southampton was unlucky in their frustrating FA Cup loss to Burnley. Still, as per Keith Hackett, the Saints should have ended worse if not for a sent-off escape for Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Have you ever thought about what feels worse than losing a winnable match? Better ask a Southampton fan who didn't miss a single minute of action against Burnley.

If you were one, you would have surely smirked when previous win hero Kamaldeen Sulemana, escaped a sent-off.

Minutes after being booked for diving, Sulemana was liable for a second yellow in a handball offense. Luckily, he escaped it.

But, this decision didn't sit well with former Premier League referee Keith Hackett. According to him, Sulemana should have been sent off with a second yellow shown.

Respected Premier League figure lays down Southampton's biggest FA Cup positive

As quoted by the Football Insider, Hackett slammed the referee's decision, saying: "The referee’s decision not to give a free-kick has saved the player from a red card. On holding and pulling, and the illegal use of the hand and arm for handball, they’re all over the place! There’s no consistency that we’re seeing from referees!”

Though a one-match ban escape, that single game could be crucial for Southampton. As it stands, the Saints can line up priority duo Sulemana and Dibling, and use Onuachu as a super sub when they face Bournemouth next.

Amusing enough for Southampton fans but distressing for officials right? But believe me when I say it's not even the first time the Saints have escaped a red card this way.

Weeks ago, midfielder Flynn Downes wasn't sent off what appeared to be a straightaway red against Nottingham Forest.

So, whether you admit it or not, Southampton has been lucky enough to be on the benefitting end of controversial calls recently.

Still, as they say, luck favors the deserving ones only. Maybe this is the football gods giving the Saints a little wink for their recent efforts.