FA awaiting report on Southampton bust up

The Football Association will wait on referee Steve Bennett's report before deciding whether to take action after angry scenes…

The Football Association will wait on referee Steve Bennett's report before deciding whether to take action after angry scenes in the Southampton tunnel yesterday, involving Blackburn manager Graeme Souness and a member of the Saints' coaching staff.

Souness was furious after striker Andy Cole was sent off for a tackle on Michael Svensson and claimed Saints coach Dennis Rofe tried to influence Bennett's decision before launching into a verbal tirade following the 2-0 defeat.

The incident was highlighted on TV and an FA spokesman said today: "We will await the reports and observations of the match officials with regard to that.

Souness claims that Rofe behaved improperly and defended his aggressive behaviour, saying that he has a duty to stand by his players.

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"If the cameras show me having to be restrained that is what happened," said the former Rangers and Liverpool manager.

"I was not happy with the behaviour of Dennis Rofe - he was encouraging the referee to give Andy a red card. I don't take kindly to staff from other clubs trying to get my players sent off."My job is to look after my players, staff at other clubs must look after their own players and not concern themselves with trying to influence the referee. His behaviour is not correct.