Tottenham awarded controversial penalty against Burnley in crucial clash

A big call

Tottenham Hotspur were awarded a controversial penalty on the stroke of half time after Burnley's Ashley Barnes was adjudged to have handled the ball in a Premier League game with huge implications at both ends of the table. Spurs had failed to find the breakthrough in the first half after a resilient Burnley backline stood up to a number of home side attacks.

The ball hit the arm of Burnley forward Ashley Barnes

However their work was undone right before the break after Spurs claimed for a penalty as the ball hit the arm of Barnes after coming off Davinson Sanchez's shin. Despite making clear contact, the Burnley forward was stood extremely close to Sanchez and couldn't have possibly had time to move his hand away. With Spurs fans and players protesting, the call was initially looked at by VAR before referee Kevin Friend was advised to go and look at the monitor. Friend awarded the penalty, much to the anger of the visitors and their caretaker boss Mike Jackson, who protested the decision. Nonetheless the penalty was awarded and as expected, Harry Kane tucked home to give Antonio Conte's side the lead and on course for a crucial win in their quest to finish in the top four. https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1525808035884679170 Burnley's protests didn't stop however as they continued to question Friend at the half time whistle and were even spotted rowing with the referee in the tunnel. Defender Phil Bardsley was at the epicentre of the complaints as he appeared to be involved in a heated exchange with the officials inside the tunnel area. The result could play a huge role in the final outcome of the table A loss for the Lancashire side could be a huge blow in their fight for survival. With Leeds and Everton due to play later on Sunday, Burnley know if results go against them that they could fall into the bottom three with just one game left to play of the season. Meanwhile, should Spurs hold on for three points, they will go above Arsenal and put the pressure on the Gunners to beat Newcastle United on Monday night. Related links:

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