13 January 2024 , 00:00
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JJ Watt slammed the "disgraceful" decision to let Luton's equaliser against his Burnley team stand, echoing manager Vincent Kompany's post-match complaints.
Carlton Morris struck late on to earn the Hatters what could be a crucial point in their Premier League survival bid. Burnley were minutes away from closing to within a point of their opponents on Friday night, but Morris ensured the spoils were shared after Zeki Amdouni put the hosts in front.
Former NFL star Watt became one of Burnley's investors in 2023, taking a stake in the Lancashire club months before they began their Premier League campaign under Kompany. The 34-year-old has been a vocal follower of the Clarets, posting on social media, and the draw with Luton was no exception.
While Kompany attempted to choose his words carefully, Watt was arguably less well-behaved than the Belgian. He did appear to recognise the risk of speaking out, though, and it remains to be seen what repercussions he ends up facing.
"I’m new to this ownership thing, so if I get fined by the Premier League, so be it…" Watt wrote on social media. "This is as blatant and obvious of a foul as you could have. To miss this on the field AND miss this on VAR is truly disgraceful."
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"You may be new but you are right," one fan responded. Another simply said "Welcome to VAR Mr Watt".
Goalscorer Morris said "I'm pleased we saw sense" after his goal was allowed to stand. Those of a Burnley persuasion, however, didn't agree with the substitute.
Should the Luton goal have been disallowed? Have your say in the comments section
Vincent Kompany voiced his concerns after another frustrating decision (David Blunsden/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)Kompany's frustration boiled down to the fact that, in his opinion, this was far from the first time his team had suffered from a contentious refereeing call. "Is it if we get a foul against us that's given as a penalty that's as soft as it is against Aston Villa [in the 3-2 defeat in December] then what is this here?" he asked in a post-match interview with TNT Sports.
"There's a clear attempt to stop the goalkeeper getting out," he added. "It's experience, it's well done to try - it doesn't take anything away from the performance of Luton, I thought they were incredible today.
"But it's just a moment there, the referee's got to get it right. I don't know, I think any ex-pro will say they understand what the striker's doing in this case, clearing the room for the other striker, and what now?
After being told the contact between Adebayo and Trafford was considered just a collision, he raised further questions. "What do you think he's [Adebayo] looking at?" Kompany asked. "He's looking at the keeper, takes two steps back to back into him - what is it? I don't understand."