Ex-Saint Jamie Redknapp has defended Charlie Austin after his comments about the referee following the draw with Watford.

Austin had a goal disallowed in the second half because Maya Yoshida was in an offside position, but replays show the defender didn't touch the ball.

This led to Saints' striker going on a rant about the referee Simon Hooper which can be read here.

Redknapp used his column in the Daily Mail to defend Austin's comments.

"I wish more players would speak their mind in post-match interviews like Charlie Austin after he was denied a perfectly good goal for Southampton," Redknapp said.

"It demonstrated his raw passion for his club and his pent-up frustration at being denied his first Premier League goal since April. He has been in and out of the team this season and is desperate to rediscover his scoring touch.

"Fans want to hear stars speaking openly but Watford captain Troy Deeney and now Charlie are rare examples of players who are prepared to do so. There simply aren't enough characters any more.

"We have seen managers reprimanded for publicly criticising referees. I just hope the FA use some common sense and do not punish Charlie.

"Players speaking honestly is something that should be encouraged."