MICHAEL CARRICK felt Middlesbrough’s 3-1 defeat to Burnley turned on referee David Webb’s decision not to award a free-kick for a foul on Chuba Akpom moments before the Clarets equalised in the second half.

With Boro leading 1-0 thanks to a clinical finish from Duncan Watmore, Akpom went down under a challenge from Taylor Harewood-Bellis on the edge of the penalty area.

The Burnley defender definitely appeared to have fouled Akpom, although it is debatable whether the offence took place inside the penalty area or just outside, but Webb waved play on and within a couple of minutes, Manuel Benson was cutting infield to fire home Burnley’s equaliser.

Carrick said: “We had a good penalty shout. We go 1-0 up, and I just think the Chuba one on the edge of the box is such a big moment.

“For me, if you’re in control of the ball and you’re goal side of the defender, and you’re protecting it as you’re told to as a kid, then if there’s contact and you both fall over, I just don’t see how you don’t give a free-kick or a penalty. I was told there was minimal contact, but for me, I just don’t understand how that’s not a penalty.

“Whether it’s a penalty or not, in terms of where it is on the pitch, is very close. But even if it’s a free-kick, it’s in a great position.

“It’s more the fact that there was contact – I’ve been told there was contact and the officials knew that – then in that position, I just don’t understand how they don’t then give the decision.”

The Northern Echo: Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick and Burnley boss Vincent Kompany Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick and Burnley boss Vincent Kompany (Image: Tom Banks)

Carrick was pleased with his side’s disciplined defensive performance prior to Benson’s equaliser, but admitted a series of second-half lapses proved costly.

Zack Steffen was beaten by a cross from Benson that evaded everyone in the 18-yard box before finding the net via the inside of the far post, before Jonny Howson flicked a header into his own net as he tried to deal with a corner from Josh Brownhill.

Carrick said: “We’re frustrated at the way the first goal came about with us allowing him to come inside and get on his left foot – that’s something we could have avoided or maybe made a bit more difficult anyway. Then the other two goals are what they are.

“We’re frustrated and disappointed, but we respect Burnley because they’re a good team and they ask a lot of questions of you in terms of how you defend.

“They press high and they’re compact as a team, so we understand it’s a tough place to come, but we’re definitely disappointed not to be coming away with something.”