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Watford boss Javi Gracia: Southampton complaints? It was a penalty!

Watford boss Javi Gracia has told Southampton his team also can feel aggrieved after their 1-1 draw.

The Hornets battled back to earn a point after Jose Holebas' 82nd-minute leveller cancelled out Manolo Gabbiadini's first-half opener.

Prior to the equaliser though, the Hornets had a clear penalty rejected when Ryan Bertrand scythed down Nathaniel Chalobah, while the Saints had very good reason to feel aggrieved as well when Charlie Austin had a goal ruled out for controversial offside decision against Maya Yoshida.

“To be honest I didn't see it from my position," Gracia said when asked about the penalty decision. “It's impossible to know what happened. But after asking Chalobah he told me it was clear and then it maybe changes the game from that moment. But I prefer to respect the referee's decisions. Their job is difficult."

However, when it was pointed out Mark Hughes was very angry about Austin's disallowed goal and asked how he would feel had the boot been on the other foot, Gracia prompted laughter by responding: “If I didn't see the penalty…"

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