Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Sadio Mane did not start on Sunday because he was late to the stadium.
The 22-year old Senegal midfielder did not turn up to St Mary's on time ahead of the meeting with Liverpool and was forced to sit on the bench for the first half before entering the fray to replace James Ward-Prowse in the 57th minute.
Of the situation, Koeman said: "He was supposed to play from the beginning. We have rules we have to respect. I had a problem because Sadio was too late at the stadium.
"Did he give an explanation? That explanation is between the player and the coach, but he was too late.
"I can't and I don't accept that. If he has to pay a fine, he pays a fine. But, in my opinion, the best way to keep the discipline in the team is not to pick him."
Southampton lost 2-0 to Liverpool with Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling on target for the Reds. The defeat saw the Saints drop to fifth on the Premier League table.
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