BURNLEY interim boss Mike Jackson is proud of his side despite their 1-0 defeat at Tottenham.

Harry Kane got the decisive goal, slotting home from the penalty spot after a controversial handball decision went against Ashley Barnes following a lengthy VAR check.

Jackson was pleased with the Clarets’ “spirit” as they bid to beat the drop and maintain their Premier League status.

But he felt referee Kevin Friend made the wrong call and insists officials need to use “common sense” for such incidents.

“I have just watched it back. I don’t think it is a penalty,” said Jackson. “You have to look at it in context of what has just happened. It is an 18-yard box, bodies in it, people competing.

“Ashley is trying to keep his balance, how he can get out of the way of it, I don’t know. You can’t stand in an 18-yard box with your arms by your side.

“You don’t do that. I don’t know if the referee has played football. Nobody has even appealed for a penalty.

“I am annoyed at that but on the flipside I am really proud of the group. They have had a right go today.

“I have seen a group that was fighting and had that spirit. I don’t want to take away my annoyance on that.

“You have got to use some common sense and what the context is. I don’t know how you can keep your arms down and I have played there for years.

“I can understand if someone sticks their hands up in a reaction but it has been given and you have to take it on the chin.”

The result leaves Jackson’s men in the bottom three after Leeds scored a late equaliser against Brighton.

However, they have a game in hand on the Yorkshire club entering the final week of the campaign.

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