Adam Smith claimed ref Jon Moss apologised for the penalty blunder which turned the Bournemouth defender into a marked man as a diver.
Cherries full-back Smith was scythed down by Saints winger Sofiane Boufal when the game was goalless – only to be shown a yellow card by Moss.
Smith said: “For the ref to book me doesn't help because that's my fifth yellow card this season. I spoke to him after and he apologised and said it was a penalty.
“I got to the ball just before him [Boufal], jumped to go over it and he took me down. I don't mind him admitting it, but the fact is I can't get the booking rescinded and I'll miss the next game.”
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe, whose struggling team have dropped 16 points at home this season, groaned: “It was a clear penalty. I could not believe what the ref did at the time and to see it again makes you feel even worse.
“It was one of the most stonewall penalties you'll see all season, and to lose Adam to suspension for the next game is a huge blow.
“All I can ask is that the referee looks at it again and learns from it.”