RALPH Hasenhuttl has responded to Charlie Austin’s FA charge.

Austin has been reprimanded by the Football Association for making an "abusive and/or insulting" gesture as he was substituted during Saints' defeat to Manchester City.

The incident concerns the striker's conduct as he made way for Shane Long in the 68th minute of the 3-1 loss to City at St Mary's on Sunday.

Hasenhuttl said: “We didn’t speak until now about this. I had other things to manage in the last hours.

“When the charge comes, then we’ll then talk about it and about what it means for him.

“He knows it wasn’t the best thing he could give for us for us and we will talk about it if the fine comes.

“I hope that there is no suspension and it’s just a fine.

“In the past there have been different angles on how they’ve (The FA) acted, so I hope it it’s not that hard and it’s a fine.”

The FA said in a short statement on its website: "Southampton's Charlie Austin has been charged following the game against Manchester City on Sunday (30 December 2018).

"It is alleged that Mr Austin's gesture in or around the 68th minute of the fixture was abusive and/or insulting.

"He has until 6pm on January 7 2019 to respond."