Burnley have reported Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski over a gesture he made towards Turf Moor winger Dwight McNeil.
The Macedonian appeared to placed his hands behind his ears and mock the mixed race McNeil after the pair had come together in a 70th minute incident during the 4-0 victory for Leeds.
Fourth official Anthony Taylor made match referee Graham Scott aware of the flashpoint and he came over and brought both managers, Burnley ’s Sean Dyche and Leeds’ Marcelo Bielsa together for a lengthy discussion.
Afterwards Dyche confirmed that one of his players had made a complaint and wanted the incident investigated.
(Image: BT Sport)
Said Dyche: “The complaint will be passed on to the FA. The player made the report. I was there and I have witnessed the report.”
Bielsa added: “I would prefer the referee makes this public. I apologise (for not fully answering the question).
Asked if he saw the incident Bielsa said: “If there was a gesture I didn’t see it. In front of me I saw a dispute (between the two players). I didn’t think it was too different to what happens in games.”
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Immediately after the fall-out Dyche substituted McNeil who appeared distressed and took his time taking his place in the stand and complaining to the Burnley staff and officials.
Dyche explained: “I was going to take him off. He has done me well but this was the first time he looked really jaded.”
(Image: BT Sport)
The Clarets were thrashed 4-0 by Bielsa’s men, for whom Rodrigo scored twice late on.
For Burnley boss Dyche it’s been a tough season but they can at least look forward to a sixth consecutive season in the Premier League.
He said: “They were more clinical. We didn’t have the cutting edge that we needed. It’s hard to ask anymore of my players.
“We had an emotional game against Fulham on Monday and it was a big result.
“I was expecting us to slide off more than we did really but physically we were still at it. They have had a great season and are on a good run of form.
“We have got 39 points and have earned the right to be in the Premier League again next season. We need to build on that for the future.”
