DEJAN Lovren has claimed referee Kevin Friend did a “great job” at St Mary’s on Sunday.

The match official was on the receiving end of a barrage of abuse – both from the Saints fans inside the ground and on social media – after failing to award the hosts a penalty during the 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

Friend made a string of poor calls, with Filip Djuricic twice taken down in the box before Lovren handled late in the first half on his first return to St Mary’s since leaving Saints last summer.

“I am not sure for all three (penalty claims),” Lovren said.

“I know for mine when I touched the ball with the hand, I know it was too close. It was a deflection so I couldn't react and I don't think it was a penalty.

“For the first two, I am not sure - I didn't see. I was a little bit far away. I think at the end the referee was doing a great job.”

Lovren, along with Adam Lallana, received a lot of abuse from sections of the St Mary's crowd for the manner in which they left St Mary’s.

Despite that, the Croatian still described the game as a “special moment.” Lovren added: “It was an amazing win.

“It was a tough game for us and we knew when we arrived here that it would be difficult for us.

“It's a massive three points for us, now we're a step closer to the top so we need to continue like this. We did a great job.

“Of course, it was a special moment to play against my ex-team - especially after the win, I'm more happy.”

It was Lovren’s first start in a Premier League game since the middle of December.