Ashley Barnes Thinks Referees Want Burnley Relegated Because They Play 'Ugly'

Burnley forward Ashley Barnes believes some referees would be happy to see the club relegated from the Premier League.

The Clarets are currently 17th and know victory over Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon would confirm them safe.

Former manager Sean Dyche regularly claimed his side were being hard done by when it came to big decisions and that's continued.

In their last two games, they've had a contentious penalty given against them and had a man sent off.

Barnes was penalised for a handball in a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, but Burnley were then denied a penalty for a similar situation in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.

Matt Lowton was also sent off in that game at Villa Park and Mike Jackson's side have appealed the dismissal.

It's seen Barnes claim some officials don't like Burnley's 'ugly' style.

The 32-year-old explained in his pre-match press conference: "I think in recent seasons people look at us and think we're a hard team, being ugly.

"No disrespect, I think people, even referees, want us gone from the league. That's just another issue we have to overcome. We've just got to concentrate on the game ourselves."

He was then asked if referees buy into Burnley's reputation of being hard-hitting. Barnes replied: "Of course they do.

"The whole situation when [Kevin Friend] goes to the screen at the weekend, Tottenham played on, they missed a great opportunity and everyone goes to set up for a goal-kick, but then there's VAR, it's like, 'What?'

"Then he's smiling when he comes away and no one can speak to him. Even at Villa Park we can't speak to Paul Tierney. Go and check the screen, that's what it's for. We just need consistency throughout the decisions."

Burnley have been given 67 yellow cards this season, which is the seventh most in the division, in addition to two red cards.

It'll either be them or Leeds United who join Watford and Norwich City in dropping down to the Championship.

Dyche was sacked over the Easter period and Burnley have only lost two in seven since.

They do have a superior goal difference to Leeds, who face Brentford knowing their fate is out of their hands.

Who do you think will be relegated from the Premier League? Burnley or Leeds United?