Vincent Kompany has said he apologised to Darren England after being sent off in Burnley’s visit to Chelsea and does not believe Premier League officials set out with “the intention to referee against a team”.
Burnley start their home game against Wolves on Tuesday four points from safety after salvaging a late 2-2 draw with 10 men at Stamford Bridge, where Kompany was sent off for his conduct when the Clarets had Lorenz Assignon dismissed and conceded a penalty for Chelsea’s opening goal on Saturday.
“I obviously slightly disagreed with the on-field decision,” said Kompany, whose post-match interview duties were assumed by assistant Craig Bellamy.
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“It’s important to say I did go and see the officials to apologise about the choice of words. My intention was definitely not to say or suggest that an official would get in his car on the day of a game and come with the intention to referee against a team.
“But the frustration comes from the fact it’s been a succession of mistakes and it’s always debatable. I will have to do my best; I just hope it doesn’t happen again this season.”
A rallying call from the boss for all Clarets to make yourselves heard at the Turf tomorrow 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Vouj7IhEb4
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 1, 2024
Burnley’s six red cards are the most of any top-flight team this season, with Liverpool receiving five and Sheffield United and Tottenham four each.
Their attempts to beat relegation have been boosted by a run of five points in three games. “We haven’t experienced easy games but there have also been very few games where we’ve not been in it, whether it was a top team or not,” reflected Kompany.
“I just hope that Turf Moor will be ready for us on Tuesday. All we’re doing now is focusing on bringing that energy for that game.”
Burnley fixtures: ‘No fear’
“There’s still a story to be written by this team so for me it’s the next game and the game after that.
“We have nothing to lose, we should have no fear. We should just go out there, run our socks off and play our hearts out.
“All we’re asking is to have an opportunity. Between now and the end of the season, we just want one opportunity – that’s enough for us.
“We’re also almost secretly looking forward to this run of eight games, so hopefully we give ourselves just one chance. That’s all we need.”
