Hugo Lloris makes accusation against Mike Dean after Burnley defeat

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris admitted that his side have missed a good opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

A 2-1 defeat to Burnley has left Tottenham’s title hopes in tatters, with referee Mike Dean dominating the headlines for his controversial performance both during and after the final whistle.

Lloris was critical of Dean’ decision to award the Clarets a corner kick which led to their opening goal when it should have been a goal kick to Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Jan Vertonghen’s sliding clearance saw the ball last touch Burnley’s Jeff Hendrix before the ball went out of play.

The Spurs skipper admitted that his side should have defended the corner better when Chris Wood rose above Juan Foyth to head the home side ahead.

Dean’s display did not sit well with the Frenchman who claimed that it is not the first time that the referee has made an error.

Lloris told Sky Sports (as quoted by the BBC): “Obviously it is a big disappointment. Today was a good opportunity for us and we missed it. It was a tough game. We expected a battle.

“We were in the game. We had a good fight and it was difficult to keep the ball on the floor because the pitch was dry and windy.

“We conceded the first goal and it makes things harder. Especially when you concede a corner that didn’t exist. It is part of the game.

“It was an open game when we scored. Unfortunately we didn’t get the result that we wanted.

When asked about controversial corner that led to Burnley’s first goal, he added: “For me it was obvious. It is the responsibility of the referee. Then it is our responsibility not to concede on the corner.

“It is not the first time that type of thing has happened with the same referee but it is not my position to talk about that.”