Referee Kevin Friend faced barrage of criticism after Liverpool win against Southampton

Referee Kevin Friend faced a barrage of criticism after a controversial display in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Southampton in the Premier League.

The Leicester-based 43-year-old turned down two early appeals from Southampton for penalties, either side of Philippe Coutinho's spectacular goal, after Filip Djuricic went down under Liverpool challenges.

He also refused Liverpool a spot-kick before half-time, when Jose Fonte challenged Raheem Sterling.

Friend's display drew criticism and discussion on Twitter, where his name was trending at one stage, such was the attention his decisions were attracting.

Here is some of the social media chatter that occurred during the match:

"Referees detest giving penalties. Never understood why. Goals are good for the game." – Match of the Day host and former England ace Gary Lineker.

"There has been some pony refereeing this weekend." – Lineker again.

"Had to applaud Coutinho goal wonderful strike. Didn't applaud the ref tho! Thought Djuricic should have stayed on feet early on and shot. Haven't seen replay but first thought was not enough if any contact to go down. Second one was penalty 1 million percent but we've also got away with a couple against us this season that were similar" – Southampton's favorite son, Matt Le Tissier.

"1st no penalty. – 2nd penalty!!" – former Manchester United and Everton man Phil Neville on Southampton's spot-kick claims.

"Minute 4" – Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand, not playing, appeared to reference Jose Mourinho's post-Burnley comments by picking out a key minute – in this case when Joe Allen and Djuricic tangled.

"Good tackle by Fonte. Gets the ball, no penalty for me" – Ex-Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann backed gave Friend a friend on a decision he thought he got right.