BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche believes Ashley Barnes needs more help from referees.

The Clarets striker got little change out of man in the middle Lee Mason in the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa last time out.

The frontman’s frustration led to a booking for dissent at Villa Park, his second yellow card of the campaign.

Barnes had been denied what looked to be a clear penalty in the win over Norwich at Turf Moor seven days earlier and clearly felt hard done by against Villa on Saturday.

He is joint fourth in the top flight this season in terms of fouls committed with 13, one fewer than fellow Claret Ashley Westwood.

Crystal Palace’s Luka Milivojevic leads the way with 19.  

While it was far from a vintage afternoon for Barnes, who has four Premier League goals to his name so far this season, at Villa he was involved in the build up to Jay Rodriguez’s goal, the first of the Clarets’ equalisers on the day.

“We only want parity, I don't think Barnesy gets a lot,” said Dyche.

“A lot is given against him. There are other players with certain traits in the division who seem not to get looked upon.

“All we want is parity and I don't think there was much in it for him on Saturday.

“He stuck at it, does brilliant for the build up to the goal and Erik Pieters’ cross.

“He is a competitor without a doubt but he doesn't seem to get a lot and I don't think he got a lot on Saturday.”

Dyche pointed to one particular incident that summed up Barnes’ issue.

Mason waved away protests when the striker felt it he was taken out off the ball, only to penalise James Tarkowski for a similar incident later in the afternoon when he clashed with Wesley.

“It is tough, he can work things out for himself and he can work out that every week he seems to get something against him,” said the Burnley boss.  

“The lad put him down off the ball on Saturday and the referee didn't see it but when Tarky brought their lad down he did give that.

“So you think hang on a minute, you didn't see that (on Barnes) and their player gets nothing and then it is a free kick and Tarky gets booked.”

Overall Burnley are 17th in the top flight in terms of yellow cards with nine in seven games so far this season.

Arsenal’s 18 is the most and Leicester’s five the fewest.