Fabian Hurzeler thought Southampton’s goalscorer was fortunate it be on the pitch when he struck at the Amex.

Flynn Downes had been booked and then walked thin ice in the first half.

He thrashed home a point-saving strike for Saints after Kaoru Mitoma’s opener.

Tempers had frayed and frustrations overspilled by the end as Hurzeler exchanged comments with opposite number Russell Martin.

Hurzeler felt Downes could have been dismissed for a second yellow.

And his frustration was increased by memories of Carlos Baleba’s sending-off at Bournemouth last week.

Hurzeler said: “That is exactly what I said at half-time already and then he makes another foul. There is no explanation for that.

“That is something that changed the game.

“It changed the game in Bournemouth in the other direction.

“Today it could change the game in our direction.

“But you have to be very careful what you say in England.

“Because my yellow card is something I can’t understand.

“I have to adapt to this here.”

Downes saw yellow with what looked an intentional boot into the Achilles of Danny Welbeck as he got away from him in the centre circle with the visitors stretched.

The Seagulls skipper required treatment before continuing.