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Nathan Jones criticises officials as Sheffield United’s Oli McBurnie gets equaliser at Luton

Nathan Jones criticises officials as Sheffield United’s Oli McBurnie gets a second half equaliser at Luton Town on Friday night.

Sheffield United consolidated their place at the Championship summit with a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road in front of a bumper crowd.

The Hatters took a deserved lead on the 10th minute when Carlton Morris powered in a header, and, had they been more clinical in the box, it might have been a more by the time the first half ended.

But the visitors, who are now two points clear at the top prior to Saturday’s games, hit back after the break and drew level when Oli McBurnie volleyed in his first league goal since December 2020.

Cameron Jerome saw his effort saved by a fingertip from Blades goalkeeper Jordan Amissah – who replaced the injured Wes Foderingham in the second half – late on, but neither side could find the edge to win the game.

Luton’s Nathan Jones said to Sky Sports: “I’ve got to reflect on the performance. I thought we were outstanding; they are a top side who have been cruising past teams. First half, we were absolutely superb. We looked a real good, aggressive side.

“In the second half, for six or seven minutes, we didn’t do what we normally did, but the build-up, for me, is a disgrace. One, there was an offside, two, there were two fouls leading up to the second corner, which they scored from. That’s not good enough for me.

“My team were absolutely at it for 90 minutes, finished really strongly and looked like we could win the game. I’m really proud of them, that’s all I can say. Sheffield United are a top-six side but, tonight, we’ve showed that we are as well and we’re back to where we have been.”

To the club website: “I thought it was a real good Championship game,” Jones admitted after the game. “They’re a top side with really good players, for the level they’re outstanding. I’m not talking about budget or anything but the players they have, the squad they have. I thought we were brilliant, we went toe-to-toe, we go aggressive against them and first half we were outstanding, but for a seven-minute period after half time.

“I thought we deserved to win the game and even then, when we were rocked and had our disappointment we came back, put balls in the box and they had to defend for their lives not to concede a second.

“I’m proud of my team for that, we’re really disappointed with the goal because there is an offside in the build-up which is poor, really poor but that is what happens.”

“I thought our front two were superb tonight, that is a good back three. They had a tough time tonight and they had to defend properly because they were excellent.

“I’m not worried about that because his performance levels are good now. Tonight, he was excellent. He had a fantastic season last season, people are marking him now plus we have another three or four that can share the burden so I have no worries. In terms of an all-round performance, I thought we were excellent and they are a very good side.”

Sheffield United’s Paul Heckingbottom to Sky: “I’m disappointed we didn’t win. Full credit to Luton, we knew it was going to be tough. I’ve just watched a few of the things back and everywhere we knew there would be a threat, that’s what caused us the problems. Flip that the other way, when we passed the ball we looked a good side… I thought we were the team that were going to go on and win it.

“When you look back at the day, I’m not disappointed because it is a good point here, especially after being behind. We try our best to win every game and, in that respect, I’ll be looking at what we could have done better, but I’ve got to be satisfied with a point.”

Twitter users gave their thoughts as Nathan Jones criticises officials and Sheffield United’s Oli McBurnie gets a roaring equaliser at Luton…

@Parkes18Scott: Surprised Nathan found something to moan about 🙄

@Gingerbarf: Jones moaning about ref when no Luton player got a card!!!! Burke should have had 2-3 yellows at least never mind anyone else, worst officiating I’ve ever seen & that’s both ways because Luton could have easily had a pen from Egan handball to name many mistakes from officials

@jakeherringmcfc: Seems like a good honest lad Tbf

@davidblades1889: As he just done a line of coke

@Fonzyy97: Nathan Jones can’t moan about officiating after that refereeing performance hahahah

@greg_kilkenny: I agree with Nathan on the offside but not the handball. How did the linesman not see that offside 👀 really poor official!!’ ⚽️

@Daveybob1986: How can he complain about anything? We had a player booked for a shoulder barge and 1 booked for celebrating but nothing said about the player kicking ndiaye in the head on the floor and Doyle getting a karate kick in the chest. Guys a clown

@srb1889: He’s so unbearable

@JasonLTFC: When Nathan is in this mood and feeling proud, I know things are going well and it’s time to be excited.

@DillieboyScfc: I hate him so much

@FaithfulHatter: very detailed and articulate response and analysis – a cracking game and brilliant atmosphere- SU fans playing their part in creating a great atmosphere under the lights 👏🏻

@Richard_Parker: Angry little gremlin! Referee gave them all sorts last night and not to mention escaping so many bookings. Pipe down.

@flatters_callum: “Didn’t do what we do for 6-7 mins” then follows with “my team absolutely at it for 90 minutes” which one is it pal?

@liamrowlands94: People saying he’s being salty and always moaning… but is he wrong? 🤷🏼‍♂️

@LTFC_Dave: Good to see Football Twitter has taken the approach of “haha NJ is moaning again” instead of calling out incompetent officiating

@emmasufc__: Nathan Jones crying live on TV, dry your eyes mate. Conveniently nothing said about some poor tackles from his own side tonight which has resulted in injuries though. #twitterblades

@samjroyle: Complaining about getting all the decisions? Strange bloke

@5tu_nffc: Nathan Jones is an arsehole

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