Ex-NFL star and Burnley owner JJ Watt SLAMS Premier League refs over handball controversy during his team’s 3-2 loss against Aston Villa

Burnley have just 11 points after 20 matches in the Premier League till now.

Ex-NFL star and Burnley owner JJ Watt SLAMS Premier League refs over handball controversy during his team’s 3-2 loss against Aston Villa

Burnley co-owner, J.J. Watt shared a video of the handball incident on 'X'. (Image via BBC and screen grab from J.J. Watt's official 'X' account)

Burnley co-owner and former NFL star, JJ Watt was left fuming at the Premier League referees for not awarding the team a handball claim, in their disappointing 3-2 loss to Aston Villa. Watt expressed his disappointment over the decision by posting a video of the incident on social media, seeking fans’ opinions.

The Clarets who currently occupy a disappointing 19th position on the Premier League table, have managed to win only three games this season, losing 15, facing a challenging fight to avoid relegation. Concerns loom over their Premier League status after their recent promotion from the Championship this season. Retired NFL defensive end, JJ Watt, and his wife, ex-USA soccer player Kealia Watt, became minority investors in May 2023, backing the club’s majority owners, ALK Capital, who hold an 84 percent stake.

YouTube video

Following Burnley’s 3-2 loss to Aston Villa, there was widespread dissatisfaction among the club owners and fans regarding the refereeing decisions. One particular incident that drew criticism was Diego Carlos not being penalized for a handball in the 60th minute. During a struggle for possession on the right side of the field, Carlos used his right arm to push the ball away from Burnley’s Lyle Foster.

FS Video

Despite appeals from Burnley, the referee did not penalize Carlos, leaving many disappointed. Club owner JJ Watt expressed his anger by sharing a video of the incident on the social media platform ‘X’ with a caption.

Just have to figure out if I’m losing it or not… Would you call this a handball?
Watt on X

Moreover, he exclaimed that he switched on the television to check whether Burnley was winning. But he couldn’t believe the ref’s decision.

10-man Burnley’s 3-2 Premier League loss to Aston Villa keeps them languishing in the relegation zone

Title contenders Aston Villa secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against 19th-placed Burnley in the Premier League. Following the disappointing loss, Vincent Kompany‘s Burnley remained at the bottom of the EPL table, while Villa climbed up to the 2nd spot, level on points with leaders Liverpool.

Doughlas Luiz scoring a penalty against Burnley to secure a win for Aston Villab x
Douglas Luiz scored a penalty against Burnley to secure a win for Aston Villa. (Image via Sky Sports)

Villa dominated the first half with goals from Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby in the 28th and 42nd minute of the match, securing a 2-1 lead over Burnley, despite Swiss forward Zeki Amdouni’s equalizer in the 31st minute. Burnley faced an intense second half, especially after Sander Berge’s red card reduced them to 10 men.

Lyle Foster then struck a goal in the 71st minute to level the scores, before Douglas Luiz converted an 89th minute penalty to seal a victory for the home side. Both the teams looked in great shape yesterday, but Villa dominated proceedings by the end of the match.

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