Southampton manager's response to being told PM Rishi Sunak was in the crowd is going viral
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was in the stands to watch Southampton's win over Plymouth on Friday - and Saints manager Russell Martin's response to a question about him was emphatic.
Sunak is the MP for Richmond, Yorkshire, but was born in Southampton and says he has supported the Saints throughout his life.
The Prime Minister was at St Mary's last night to watch Southampton take on Plymouth, with the hosts recording a 2-1 victory that takes them to within three points of second-placed Ipswich, having played one Championship game more.
After being appointed in the summer following the Saints' relegation from the top flight, Martin had a relatively slow start to life in charge as his new side adapted to his methods.
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But they now haven't lost since September 23, and have won 12 of their last 17 league games to propel themselves into the automatic promotion chase.
Sunak, meanwhile, was sat in the same area of St Mary's as Saints icon Matt Le Tissier. The 55-year-old was a club ambassador until last year when he stepped down following controversial tweets around Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Didn’t realise Matt Le Tissier was sat near Rishi Sunak last night 🤣🤣
— The Second Tier (@secondtierpod) December 30, 2023
His face 😅 pic.twitter.com/MJbJNspTfA
After the match, Martin was asked about whether Sunak had come down to meet the players and speak to the Saints manager - and his response has gone viral.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He might have come down, but I have no interest in saying hello. How's that for honesty?"
Southampton boss Russell Martin asked if Rishi Sunak had been to see him and the players…
— Sanny Rudravajhala (@Sanny_Rudra) December 29, 2023
🗣️ @1AaronPaul 📻 @5liveSport #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/E3EiwEv3Le
Martin - who revealed in 2018 that he had joined the Green Party - added: "I hope he enjoyed himself, just like anyone who comes here. I hope they enjoy themselves.
"I have no interest [in talking to him] because I'm a football manager.
"I'm not sure we're aligned on too much politically but I know he's a fan and I hope he enjoyed watching the team.
"I'm sure some people would be excited about him being here, but we had a job to do and we were here to win a football match and we did."
Martin and Southampton will look to continue their incredible unbeaten run when they take on Norwich at Carrow Road on New Year's Day.
Topics: Southampton, EFL Championship, Football
Ryan Smart