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Ashley Barnes: Burnley forward says some referees would be happy to side relegated

Burnley forward Ashley Barnes says that referees "want us gone" from the Premier League.

The 17th-placed Clarets are effectively certain of avoiding relegation if they beat Newcastle at home on Sunday (16:00 BST).

They are level on points with Leeds, who are 18th, but Burnley's goal difference is 20 better.

"In recent seasons people look at us and think we're a hard team, being ugly," 32-year-old Barnes said.

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

Burnley have had 67 yellow cards in the Premier League this season, the seventh most, plus two red cards.