FORMER Premier League and FIFA referee Keith Hackett praised Kamaldeen Sulemana's honesty when staying on his feet in the box against Fulham.

Kamaldeen could have won a penalty during Saturday's 2-1 when Denmark international Joachim Andersen clattered into him off the ball inside the penalty area.

The former Rennes forward landed on his feet but did not regain possession of the ball, prompting the referee to wave play on.

Hackett, who retired in 1994, admitted that the Saints winger would have asked more of referee Tony Harrington had he gone to the ground.

“I think the referee judged it right. I think when a player in that situation goes to the ground, he’s asking a bigger question," he told Football Insider.

“I think this is where there is that dilemma in the ground. We all know that had he gone to ground, VAR might have come in and said ‘have a look at it’ – may have.

“But I think it’s good to see a bit of honesty. Football is a contact sport, and I think we want to see a little bit more of that. So I praise the player for his honesty and staying on his feet.”

Saints have received the joint fewest penalties in the Premier League this season (two) alongside Ipswich Town, Everton and Arsenal.

They are the only team not to score from a set-piece due to Cameron Archer missing against Manchester United and Adam Armstrong's failed effort against Liverpool.