Burnley manager Sean Dyche has suggested that referee Michael Oliver was right to not send off Dele Alli in his side's 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
The England international, criticised for a rash challenge on Kevin De Bruyne seven days ago, was again at the centre of controversy at Turf Moor.
Alli slid in on opposition defender Charlie Taylor with just four minutes on the clock, which Oliver felt was worthy of just a yellow card - his third of the season.
To add insult to injury for the home fans, Dele won a penalty for his side soon after and went on to claim an assist for hat-trick hero Harry Kane's third goal.
Speaking after the game, however, Dyche admitted that the tackle was perhaps not quite worthy of a red, while also praising Tottenham for their all-round display.
"It was a tough one - Dele Alli is out of control, he was never going to get the ball," he told BT Sport. "A number of years ago that was just a big challenge, but it's a tough one today - an orange card.
"The best side won on the day. They're a top class side - they did the basics. They showed us respect by showing they would have to earn the win.
"The penalty was a tough one but generally they get given. I think it was a penalty after [Ashley] Barnes was fouled. The one person I've not mentioned is Harry Kane - he's a fantastic player. He must be up there with one of the best strikers in the world.
"You lick your wounds today. They turned up and we didn't quite. Overall, I know where the club is at. We have to be really happy where the club is at."
Burnley conceded as many goals in Saturday's game as they had in their previous nine at Turf Moor combined this season.
Daniel Lewis
