Burnley manager Vincent Kompany said on Monday that refereeing standards have dropped this season as he joined widespread criticism of the Premier League‘s officiating after a number of controversial decisions.
Kompany’s side were reduced to 10 men against Chelsea on Saturday and the former Belgium defender was shown a red card for protesting against a controversial penalty decision.
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The relegation-threatened club, 19th in the table with eight games left, drew 2-2 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
“The frustration comes from that it’s a succession of mistakes and it is always debatable,” Kompany said in a news conference.
“The effect is on points and on our season, I suppose all of that kind of gives you a feeling of being more angry, but when the next moment comes I have to do my best [to not react]. I hope it doesn’t happen again this season.
“I keep saying what I think, I won’t shy away from it. I have said it to the officials, that the refereeing has not been good enough this season. I have said that in a constructive way.
“Last year I said English refereeing was the best in the world, I felt there was always common sense being applied — this year I have not felt like this.”
The former Manchester City captain added he has apologised to the officials after the Chelsea game.
Burnley host 10th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
“All we’re asking is to have an opportunity, so if between now and the end of the season we have one opportunity, that’s enough for us,” Kompany said.
“We will just fight and work as hard as anyone to get that opportunity, but the next eight games don’t define the club.”