Burnley co-owner JJ Watt has criticized the decision to allow Luton Town's controversial last-gasp equalizer in Friday's Premier League draw, calling it “truly disgraceful”.
The NFL legend was left furious after a lengthy VAR review failed to rule out Carlton Morris' stoppage-time goal, despite vociferous calls from Burnley that their goalkeeper James Trafford had been fouled by the Luton striker Elijah Adebayo.
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“I'm new to this ownership thing, so if the Premier League fines me, so be it…” Watt, who became an investor in Burnley last year along with his wife, former US international footballer Kealia Watt. , published on X, formerly Twitter.
“This is as blatant and obvious a foul as could have been committed. To miss this on the field AND miss this on VAR is truly embarrassing.”
Burnley looked set to claim just their fourth win of the season after Zeki Amdouni put the home team ahead in the first half.
However, a 1-1 draw meant the Lancashire club remained second-to-bottom, four points behind 18th-placed Luton and three points ahead of last-placed Sheffield United. Both Luton and Sheffield have played one game less than Burnley.
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany was equally perplexed by the decision.
“I think any former professional understands what the striker [Adebayo] “What he is doing in this case,” Kompany told the BBC. “First I hope the referee sees it, none of the Luton players have celebrated, the striker's gaze is towards the referee to see if he got his way.”
“Fair play to the striker, try your luck, block the goalkeeper. You look at the referee and you think surely not. VAR will sort this out. The Luton players are not celebrating.” [Luton] “They were incredible today, but at that moment the referee has to do it right.”
The Belgian added: “I don't know what to say to my players. It's ridiculous. It keeps happening. It's unbelievable. I hope it evens out.”
“This can't decide a game. Something done with a little magic, but not this. Not this.”
Luton manager Rob Edwards said he understood his opponents' frustration.
“That's a big moment in the game and we deserved it,” Edwards told TNT. “I'm sorry for Vinny [Kompany] and if it's a mistake I'll be honest.”
Things won't get any easier for Burnley when they next visit champions Manchester City on January 31.
Information from Reuters and the Associated Press was used in this report.
