Wednesday 17 December 2014 12:00, UK
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman accused the Sheffield United bench of lacking respect after his side were beaten 1-0 in a stormy Capital One Cup tie at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United coach Chris Morgan was sent to the stands after a spat which occurred after Marc McNulty had scored what turned out to be the winning goal for the Blades.
And, after the match, Koeman refused to shake the hand of his rival manager Nigel Clough.
Asked the reasons for his action, Koeman said: “Because they showed, during 95 minutes, no respect to me, no respect to the bench of Southampton, and no respect to the fourth referee.
“I had to make a statement. If coaches, people, act like this, then I am afraid for the future.
“I don’t tell more about that. No respect is no respect. Shouting … I don’t use that word. It’s about four letters.”
They showed, during 95 minutes, no respect to me, no respect to the bench of Southampton, and no respect to the fourth referee.
However, Clough seemed surprised that the row had escalated to such an extent.
Regarding Morgan’s dismissal, he said: “The referee came over and had a chat. We will try to see them and see if we can explain. No swearing going on, no aggression or anything like that.
“We are a bit nonplussed by it all really.”
Clough was disappointed that Koeman did not shake his hand and added: “I just put my hand out and he walked away. You would have to ask him why.
“I don’t quite know what that means (about a lack of respect). I think the biggest lack of respect is when you don’t shake somebody’s hand, especially in defeat.”
Clough once again has Sheffield United on the march in a major Cup competition, having guided the Blades to the FA Cup semi-finals last season.
And the manager was naturally keen to stress the positives from a great night for the League One club.
“For Sheffield United, the supporters, the team, a very memorable evening,” he said.
“We have won some good Cup ties in the past 12 months but I think that is probably up there at the top of the list.
“We would have settled for a 1-0 I think, but we probably should have had a second goal tonight.
"It was a remarkable effort by the players. The 14 lads we had out there gave absolutely everything.
"The players love playing teams from higher leagues. I think they relish it, I don't think it daunts them, and we do look forward to these type of evenings.”
Koeman said: “We played too much long ball at certain times, we didn't have that ball precision that we usually have.
"We didn't bring our football and with the way they like to play it is difficult to win. That was the difference.
"They showed a fantastic spirit and that made it difficult.
"You know that it won't be the first time a League One club beat a Premier League club and you know it won't be the last.”
