Ronald Koeman has suggested that match officials are partly to blame for Southampton's early exit from the Europa League.

The Saints dropped out of European competition after defeat to Danish side FC Midtjylland on Thursday night, and Koeman insists that his side should have been awarded a penalty.

"I have to say, and it's critical to both referees in both games, if you analyse both games, we had more chances," the manager told reporters.

"We scored a normal goal last week and if you watch television and you see the free kick of Ward-Prowse -- it's a penalty. So easy. But if you don't see it that still makes it more complex, more difficult.

"Then the final result, the final result of last week, is totally different [if the decisions are correct]. Congratulations to Midtjylland. They play well, they play out of a good organisation and they scored today and we didn't.

It's two mistakes. It's one penalty and one goal and it's a big influence on the result. It's different reasons. One of the reason was the referee of today because it's a penalty. Last week it's a normal goal but we did a mistake and they scored a 1-1. Not all [blame] goes to the referee, that's too easy, but a part of our disappointment and the final result is also by the referee."

Southampton return to action in the Premier League on Saturday when they host Norwich City at St Mary's Stadium.