Ronald Koeman revealed Sadio Mane was dropped for the game against Liverpool after arriving late to St Mary’s.

Mane was around half an hour late to join his teammates for the pre-match meal, much to the anger of Koeman who relegated him to the bench as a result.

Saints slipped to a 2-0 defeat with Mane coming on as a second half sub.

Koeman said: “He was too late.

“25-30 minutes too late for the pre-meal and we have rules, instructions with the players and everybody can be late one day in a morning but you can’t be late at 1 o’clock when you have to play against Liverpool.”

Daily Echo:

When asked if there was an explanation he added: “That explanation is between the player and the coach but he was too late and I can’t and won’t accept that.”

Koeman though didn’t feel his side missed him during the game.

“No, no, no. The rest of the players did a good job and that was more important.”

Saints could yet fine Mane for his lateness, but Koeman feels the action he took was a clear message to the Senegalese international and the rest of the squad that standards should remain high.

He insisted: “I think if he has to pay a fine he pay a fine but I think the sanction to him to not to start today is my opinion the best way to keep the discipline in the team.”