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Vincent Kompany frustrated by contentious Luton equalizer
A highly contentious last-minute goal by Luton Town’s Carlton Morris left Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, 37, his players, and even part-owner and former NFL player JJ Watt irate on Friday. Kompany expressed frustration, stating that such a crucial decision should not determine the outcome of a game.
Morris scored the equalizer with a header in the 92nd minute, securing a 1-1 draw for Luton in the Premier League match at Turf Moor. However, Burnley vehemently protested, arguing that Luton’s Elijah Adebayo had obstructed and impeded goalkeeper James Trafford.
Kompany, visibly frustrated on the sidelines, expressed his disappointment when, after an extensive VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand. Speaking to the BBC, he explained his viewpoint: “I think any ex-pro understands what the striker (Adebayo) is doing in this case.” Kompany expected the referee to notice the incident, highlighting that none of the Luton players celebrated, and the striker’s gaze was directed towards the referee, seemingly checking if he had escaped sanction.
“Fair play to the striker, he tries his luck, he blocks the goalkeeper. He looks across to the referee and you think surely not. VAR will sort this out. Luton players are not celebrating,” he added. Despite acknowledging Luton’s overall performance, Kompany stressed that the crucial moment required the referee to make the correct decision.
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The draw left Burnley trailing 18th-placed Luton by four points, making the disputed decision potentially costly in the relegation battle.
Vincent Kompany pointed out that the contentious goal adds to a series of perplexing moments, including a “soft penalty given against us against Aston Villa” and a disallowed goal against Nottingham Forest. The Belgian manager expressed bewilderment at these incidents and conveyed his frustration, stating, “I don’t know what to say to my players. It’s ridiculous. It keeps happening. It’s incredible. It’ll balance off, I hope.”
Kompany’s sentiments were echoed by fans on social media who voiced their complaints about the controversial goal. Part-owner and former NFL player JJ Watt also joined the chorus of disapproval, posting on social media, “I’m new to this ownership thing, so if I get fined by the Premier League, so be it… This is as blatant and obvious of a foul as you could have.” Watt emphasized the perceived injustice, criticizing both the on-field decision and the VAR review, deeming it “truly disgraceful.”
JJ Watt and his wife Kealia, a former player for the U.S. women’s national team, invested in Burnley at the conclusion of the previous season and have actively been promoting the club globally.
Following the controversial goal by Elijah Adebayo, former England defender Rio Ferdinand, serving as a pundit on TNT Sports, expressed his view, stating, “Elijah Adebayo does not go for the ball, it has to be a foul.” The decision left the Burnley camp bewildered, with defender Dara O’Shea expressing disappointment over the outcome and the lack of information provided on the pitch. O’Shea said, “I can’t get my head around the decision. None of us quite understand it, and we don’t get any information on the pitch. We’re bitterly disappointed with the result.”
Luton manager Rob Edwards acknowledged Burnley’s frustration, recognizing the significance of the contentious moment in the game. Edwards stated, “That is a big moment in the game, and we deserved that. I do feel for Vinny (Kompany), and if it is a foul, I will be honest.” Despite the victory, Edwards expressed an understanding for the opposing team’s perspective and the contentious nature of the decision.
