Saints have admitted their surprise at the FA’s decision to rescind Mohamed Elneny’s red card after the Arsenal man was sent off when the teams met at the Emirates Stadium.

Jack Stephens was shown a red card moments earlier, and is now serving a three game ban.

However, the Gunners appealed and won, meaning Elneny is available for selection again.

Hughes said: “I think after the events of last weekend and obviously we accepted our punishment. Jack had a reaction and he was punished for that.

“There were other reactions and people involved that don’t seem to be treated in the same way in my view.

“Elneny raised his hands to an opposition player’s face. In the letter of the law he should have gone.

“For them to appeal that and it to be rescinded surprised me to be perfectly honest.

“There were other incidents as well where there needs to be continuity and consistency with the referee’s decision making and it seems to be at odds with what you would expect in certain situations.”

Stephens got his red card for shoving Jack Wilshere to the ground, and Hughes said after the game he felt the Arsenal man should have gone too.

“It’s a bit galling as he was the instigator of the whole thing so that doesn’t sit comfortably but it is what it is,” said Hughes.

“We were disappointed not because we want to punish other players unless it’s warranted but it needs to be like for like.”