Stephens is 'frustrated with himself' following FA misconduct charge

Stephens, 30, has been handed a further two-game ban having been found guilty of using abusive language directed towards referee Stuart Atwell and fourth official Gavin Ward.

The defender was also given a £50,000 fine and will miss Southampton's games against Arsenal (away) and Leicester City (home).

The FA report indicates that the commission had initially recommended a four-match ban, which was mitigated in part due to his prior clean misconduct record.

Speaking on Thursday, Martin explained: "I think they've obviously drawn a line in the sand, the Premier League and the FA. 

The skipper has already served his three-game ban for serious foul play, missing matches against Ipswich Town, Everton and AFC Bournemouth.

Jack Stephens was shown a red card against Manchester United (Image: PAWire/Andrew Matthews) "I think as long as everyone's treated the same, then we have to accept it as it is. Jack's really accepted that he made a mistake.

"He asked for an in-person hearing so he could apologise and make sure that was the case because he's a very, very good human being.

"He's frustrated with himself and disappointed and we're frustrated not to have him available because he helps us. 

"We'll be watching now as a club to make sure that everyone is treated in the same way and if it is, then obviously we have to accept it and move on."

He continued: "We had a lot of dialogue about it and we were heavily involved in the process, myself and Mark Bitcot. Jack went down there.

"He got told off and he accepted everything and apologised and he meant it and it could have been worse.

"He's still disappointed, still frustrated, but it could have been worse. So he will be back when he's back."

Stephens said: "I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me.

"I am very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it... I know the importance of accepting a referee's decision.

"Instead, I spoke to him saying something that I would not normally say. I then used that language again to Mr Ward.

"This is not an excuse, but it was in the heat of the moment... I sincerely apologise to Mr Atwell and Mr Ward."