Burnley boss Scott Parker has taken a swipe at VAR and modern officiating technology after his side saw two goals controversially ruled out in a 2-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Turf Moor.
In a game defined by fine margins, the Clarets were left frustrated as key moments went against them.
Initially, the contest appeared evenly balanced, with both sides battling for control without creating clear-cut dominance.
However, the momentum shifted when Brighton struck at a crucial moment, putting Burnley on the back foot against a side already riding a wave of strong form.
Despite the setback, Burnley responded with renewed intensity after the break, pushing forward and showing attacking intent.
Nevertheless, their efforts were repeatedly halted, most notably when Jaidon Anthony and Bashir Humphreys both had goals disallowed for extremely tight offside decisions.
As the game unfolded, those marginal calls proved decisive, ultimately tilting the result in Brighton’s favour.
Parker, clearly frustrated, pointed to those moments as turning points in the match.
“I didn’t think there was too much in the game. The goal came at the wrong time and we were playing against a very good side in very good form,” he said.
“Second half, we did really well and it’s the fine margins again, which I constantly say, were missing.
“That’s VAR and two offside goals, which were a kneecap and a sleeve. We were on the end of a bad result.
“I have seen them back. Certainly, the second one, to the eye, doesn’t look offside. We are in a world of technology.
“If a computer or a robot says it is [offside] then we just accept it for what it is. To me, it doesn’t look like that.
“That’s just the way it is. It is what it is at this present moment in time. I don’t think the team lacked energy or endeavour. The key moments, you get punished.”
Ultimately, while Burnley showed resilience and attacking promise, the decisive calls and clinical finishing from Brighton made the difference.
As the debate around VAR continues, Parker’s side will need to quickly regroup and refocus as they push forward in their campaign.
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