SAINTS manager Russell Martin labelled Carlos Corberan's red card "nonsense" and added: "If that is a rule then it's a crazy one."

The Spaniard was given his marching orders by Sam Allison after he touched the ball while it was still in play.

His red card came minutes before Ryan Fraser opened the scoring at the Hawthorns in a game Southampton went on to win 2-0.

"It must be the rule that if you touch the ball when it is on the pitch then you get sent off. If that is a rule then it's a crazy one," Martin told the Daily Echo.

"I was just angry because the ball hadn't gone out and he touched it. I thought we had a chance of getting it.

"I didn't know he was going to get sent off - that wasn't the intention at all. I have learned a new rule, and so has Carlos, unfortunately for him.

"I have nothing but respect for Carlos. It is nonsense, he was not stopping the play intentionally. He thought the ball had gone out. It's a tough one for him."

Asked by the Daily Echo what it is like for players to continue a game after their manager has been sent off, Fraser explained: "It's probably not nice.

"Every manager is different. Some sit on the bench and don't say a word, if that is the case then maybe you wouldn't notice it as a player.

"If it was our manager who got sent off then you would definitely notice it because he is always on the touchline giving out instructions.

"The ball didn't go out and he has come on and touched it. It is a harsh red card, but if that is a law, then I am not going to batter the referee. That is how it is."