HARRY Redknapp knows David Prutton could be facing a lengthy ban after his midfielder manhandled referee Alan Wiley.

"If he has done what everybody says he has done he is going to be in big trouble - he is probably going to get a long ban," said Redknapp.

The Saints boss said he had not decided whether the club would take internal disciplinary action against the player, but the FA confirmed it would carefully consider Wiley's account of the incident.

A spokesman said: "We take any reports of physical assault or even physical contact with referees very seriously indeed.

"First we will consider Alan Wiley's report and then we will decide what action to take."

Prutton lost control during Saints' 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday when he deservedly received his marching orders following x-rated tackles on Mathieu Flamini and then Robert Pires.

Boss Redknapp was forced to sprint down the touchline to restrain Prutton, who was angrily shouting and clashing with Wiley as he sought to get towards linesman Paul Norman.

The 23-year-old then had to be led down the tunnel by first-team coach Dennis Rofe and physio Jim Joyce.

Prutton will automatically get a one-match ban for the sending off, but looks certain to receive an additional punishment from the FA for his reaction towards the match officials.

The incident evoked memories of Paolo Di Canio's infamous shoving of ref Paul Alcock in October 1998.

Di Canio received an extra eight-game suspension although, in fairness, Prutton's clash with Wiley was less serious.

Redknapp did not get a clear view of the incident with ref Wiley, but of the tackles which led to Prutton's dismissal, he said: "I can't defend people doing that. It was an obvious sending-off. He knows what I think about what he did."