Southampton boss Claude Puel fumes as Simon Mignolet escapes red card after Liverpool goalkeeper handled outside his area in Anfield stalemate

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Southampton boss Claude Puel suggested Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was perhaps lucky not to have been red-carded for a handball outside his area missed by referee Bobby Madley.

Puel was also not happy with Madley's decision to award the home side a penalty  in the 66th minute when Jack Stephens was judged to have handled Lucas' cross. 

'I think this penalty is harsh,' said Puel.

With Dusan Tadic bearing down on goal in the dying minutes, Simon Mignolet charges out 

The Liverpool keeper appears to handle the ball as he attempts to clear the danger 

Southampton boss Claude Puel felt Mignolet could have been sent off for his late indiscretion 

'Jack turns and the ball falls on his arm, but it was not intentional. The save was important, for Fraser of course, but for all the squad.

'On the other side, there could have been a sending-off of Mignolet when he touched the ball outside his box.'

Puel praised his side for keeping a fourth clean sheet against Liverpool this season, having stood firm in the goalless Premier League encounter at St Mary's in November and the two-legged EFL Cup semi-final in January.

Mignolet and his side were forced to settle for a share of the spoils against Southampton 

'Two draws, two wins and four clean sheets is a fantastic job against this team,' the Frenchman added.

'It was difficult for us to make some counter-attacks, but it is fantastic work from the squad.

'We defended very well, with good structure, organisation and discipline.' 

James Milner missed a second-half penalty as Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw at Anfield