Cloud of controversy overshadows Burnley’s win

LONDON: Scott Arfield’s goal on the stroke of halftime was enough to give seventh placed Burnley a 1-0 win over eighth placed Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

Pre-match snow made for wintry conditions at Turf Moor for the clash of two of the surprise packages of the season so far and it was Scottish-born Canadian international Arfield who rose to the occasion.

Watford had been down to ten men from the 39th minute after Marvin Zeegelaar was shown a straight red for a wild, feet raised, challenge on Steven Defour.

While Watford were unhappy with that decision, Burnley also protested referee Lee Probert about two efforts disallowed for offside in the second half.

Just the one point between Burnley and the Champions League places but real evidence of their continued rise came via Sean Dyche shortly after fulltime.

“Professionally we know all the work that is still to be done,” Burnley manager Dyche said. “From a fan point of view it is fantastic to look at it and see how we’re doing.”

This was by no means routine. Marco Silva and the majority of his backroom staff left here incandescent at Probert’s officiating and consider defeat a huge missed opportunity, even after Zeegelaar’s disputed 39thminute red card.

Zeegelaar, eyes on the ball, jumped at Steven Defour with both feet. Defour was left in a heap, clutching his ankle, as the offender looked on in astonished bewilderment at Probert reaching for red.

“Definite red card,” said Dyche. Silva was on a different page: “It’s a harsh, harsh decision. It is not fair.”

Watford were not a happy camp. Silva, who brooded throughout, remonstrated with Probert as they made the long walk over towards Turf Moor’s tunnel, gesticulating at the referee.

“He didn’t want to speak,” the Portuguese added. “I don’t know why. For me it is clear: they cannot control a normal match with two fair teams.”

Silva had a point that Probert eventually lost control but he might have the rules on his side with Zeegelaar, whose feet were off the ground. It looked reckless, even if the damage inflicted was not severe.

Burnley will point towards two disallowed goals. The first was right, Ashley Barnes offside as Chris Wood tapped in, but the second prompted great debate.

“They were delicate decisions,” Dyche said. “It was a confusing moment. Their players didn’t react at all which isn’t always a sign but sometimes is.” Daily Mail