Saints hit with £20,000 FA fine

Southampton have been fined £20,000 by the Football Association after admitting a charge of failing to control their players.

The Saints were charged following unsavoury scenes during last Saturday's goalless draw at Norwich City.

Referee Mark Clattenburg was surrounded by Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino and his players at the final whistle after awarding Norwich a late penalty.

Norwich City 0-0 Southampton

Pochettino later said he regretted confronting Clattenburg.

A statement on the Football Association website said:  "The FA has today fined Southampton £20,000 after they admitted a charge of failing to control their players."

Clattenburg awarded the controversial penalty in injury-time after Luke Shaw was adjudged to have fouled Canaries striker Grant Holt.

But Saints goalkeeper Artur Boruc saved Holt's spot-kick to help earn his struggling side a point.

Pochettino admitted emotion got the better of him - with his side battling to secure their Premier League status.

"All managers have to set an example," the Argentine told BBC Radio Solent.

"It is hard to control your emotions in such a difficult and important game for us, especially when you concede a penalty against your own interests.

"At that time it is hard to control your emotions. We all thought it was not a penalty and an unjust call and we were all upset and angry at that moment."

When asked whether he regretted it, Pochettino replied: "In a way, yes.

"Nonetheless I approached him with full respect but perhaps I should have waited for him to come to the dugout. But still I approached him with full respect.

"I experience all games with a lot of intensity. I am fully aware of the club's situation and what is at stake in every single game. I'm dedicated to the job and I care about the club."