Vincent Kompany has said that Burnley has had a “tough relationship” with referees this season, but he refuses to use it as an excuse for his team’s struggles.
With just 12 games remaining, the Clarets are 11 points from safety, with Bournemouth coming up next at Turf Moor.
Kompany’s side comes into the game off a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, during which they were forced to play for almost an hour with 10 men after Josh Brownhill was sent off.
Adam Wharton of Palace was also fortunate not to be disqualified after he slid into a challenge just minutes after receiving a booking.
The hosts were also granted a penalty after Vitinho fouled Matheus Franca, and David Fofana’s late consolation was controversially ruled out.
Regardless of the officiating decisions, Burnley were well trounced on the day and can have no complaints about the outcome.
While Kompany does not want to concentrate on the decisions that have gone against his team this season, he feels there has been a clear “trend”.
“The penalty [against. Palace], the second yellow card, and so on. But, look, I don’t want this to come across as you making excuses for yourself,” he told Claret+.
“We’ve had a difficult relationship with the officials this season, and I believe that is apparent. But we’ve been respectful, allowing them to perform their job as well. Finally, on numerous occasions, we did not understand.
“Whether it’s one occasion where we’re correct or one where we’re incorrect, understanding many important times has been difficult.
“But I don’t want to linger on this one in particular; it’s just a seasonal trend. Right now, all we have to do is focus on the next game and ensure that the team is prepared to battle.”
According to a new analysis, if VAR had not been implemented in the Premier League, Burnley would be two points higher in the league table right now.
That would leave them on 15 points, eight points behind Nottingham Forest rather than 11.
The alternative standings were determined by taking all of the season’s result-defining decisions and the on-pitch referee’s judgment.
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