Ashley Barnes claims Premier League conspiracy at work to relegate Burnley amid Leeds scrap

Ashley Barnes has claimed that there is a conspiracy among Premier League referees to get rid of the Clarets from the top flight.

Burnley once again find themselves in a scrap at the wrong end of the table following a poor season. Indeed, either Mike Jackson’s side or Leeds United will drop to the Championship on Sunday.

The Clarets have been here before, surviving three relegation scares since returning to the Premier League in 2016.

However, Barnes has claimed that there is a growing desire from referees to see Burnley drop back down.

“In recent seasons people look at us and think we’re a hard team, being ugly,” Barnes told BBC Sport.

“No disrespect, I think people, even referees, want us gone from the league.”

As for his reasoning for his claim, Barnes pointed to Burnley’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

Harry Kane fired wide as Burnley edged closer to half time with the scores level at 0-0. However, referee Kevin Friend then consulted the VAR monitor and found a handball offence in the penalty area.

Kane netted the subsequent spot-kick and helped Tottenham boost their top-four hopes, while adding to Burnley’s relegation fears.

Video: Armando Broja wanted by West Ham for huge price (Teamtalk)

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson in talks with Newcastle

Jorginho to be sold by Chelsea as no new contract offer coming

Chelsea target Kalidou Koulibaly

Calvert-Lewin set for Arsenal or West Ham switch?

Phil Jones and Eric Bailly forced out by Manchester United

Harry Kane linked to Bayern Munich by former player

Newcastle eager to sign Dean Henderson from Manchester United

Roy Keane tells Jack Grealish to grow up

Skriniar at the centre of a bidding war

McGinn will cost Manchester United over £40m this summer

Divo