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View: Leeds United suffer big blow in relegation battle after Burnley scenes
Leeds United suffered yet another relegation blow on Thursday [May 19] as Burnley gained a vital point in their fight for Premier League survival.
Not only did Mike Jackson’s side draw against Aston Villa, but Everton also beat Crystal Palace which secure their safety from the drop leaving it a two-horse race between the Whites and Clarets.
However, Ashley Barnes should have been sent off within five minutes after elbowing Tyrone Mings – it is farcical that the striker was still on the pitch to score the all-important goal for his side ahead of halftime.
Mark Clattenburg fought Villa’s case as he wrote in his Daily Mail column: “Ashley Barnes went on to score Burnley’s opener from the spot at Villa Park but I can understand why some people think he shouldn’t have been on the pitch
“His elbow on Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings looked bad, particularly in slow motion. Professional players always argue that this is a red, feeling it is a violent and deliberate act.
“They would say it didn’t matter whether or not Barnes was looking at Mings. This is where referees — who usually see this as a straightforward yellow — would benefit from having been players.”
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Joke.
That point put Jesse Marsch’s side back in the relegation zone ahead of the final weekend of the season.
These are the types of decisions that can change title races and it is so unfair just how inconsistent the referees in the Premier League can be.
The Whites have had Luke Ayling and Dan James sent off in recent weeks which has massively hindered their chances of survival.
Why on earth hasn’t Barnes been sent off? Red cards have been brandished for far less – it is a joke of a decision and if the Elland Road outfit do go down, there will be serious questions to answer because it will cost them millions.
Marsch and the players can’t let it faze them one bit though. They have a hugely important job to do on Sunday [May 22] against Brentford.
All they can do is go out and win and hope that Burnley loses or even draw. They can get away with sharing the points if the Clarets lose against Newcastle.
It is going to be a heart-wrenching final day of the season, hopefully, one where Leeds survives.
In other Leeds United news, View: Steven Gerrard’s vow has served Leeds major relegation hope – Marsch will be buzzing.