Top ref that led Sean Dyche 'flummoxed' to take charge of Burnley v Aston Villa

The already-relegated Clarets have little to play for other than personal pride, with their relegation recently confirmed following their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The club parted ways with Scott Parker after that game, with first-team coach Mike Jackson now in interim charge until the end of the season.

He oversaw Burnley’s 3-1 defeat at Leeds United last week, which came barely 24 hours after Parker’s departure was confirmed.

As for Villa, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last week after Unai Emery opted to make wholesale changes ahead of their Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Who is the referee for Leeds v Burnley?

Anthony Taylor.

One of England’s top refs, Taylor has overseen 43 games so far this season, dishing out 172 yellow cards - at an average of four per game - but just four reds.

He’s officiated across a number of competitions, both domestically in England, in Europe and on the international stage too.

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What history does he have with Burnley?

This will be the first Burnley game he’s taken charge of this season.

In fact, you have to rewind two years to May 2024 for his last involvement in a Clarets game, which was a 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle United.

He dished out four bookings on the day, two to Burnley players in Maxime Esteve and Josh Brownhill.

Back in 2019, Taylor left Sean Dyche “flummoxed” after his failure to not award Burnley a first-half penalty during a 1-1 draw with Southampton.

Instead, Ashley Barnes was booked for an alleged dive after being upended by Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.

“I was flummoxed,” Dyche said afterwards.

“I can't believe what I have seen when he hasn't given us a penalty. Some people might disagree with me but that is as clear a penalty as I have seen in a long, long time. There is no question on any level I don't think.

“The keeper tries to do his job, that is fair enough, the player tries to do his job, he gets there first and toes it past him, the keeper brings him down. It can't be any clearer in my view than that.

“He falls naturally, that is what worries me in the game at the minute. When people dive they get penalties, when people fall naturally they are not getting them.”

Who is on VAR duty?

Jarred Gillett, assisted by Adrian Holmes.

It was recently announced that Australian Gillett will make his World Cup debut this summer in the VAR booth.

Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn will run the line, while Leigh Doughty is fourth official.

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