The experienced forward is a closely marked man
Oli McBurnie has attracted plenty of close interest from opposition defenders this season (Image: Greig Cowie/Shutterstock)
Sergej Jakirovic has reiterated his belief that Oli McBurnie continues to get little support from referees, with the Hull City striker continually fouled without very little reward.
The City boss has spoken throughout the season about his belief that his star striker rarely gets protection, despite facing the brunt of opposition ire throughout the game.
It was felt again on Saturday that referee John Brooks did little to help McBurnie, even refusing to talk to the striker after awarding Sheffield United a contentious penalty.
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As the Tigers’ focal point in the final third of the pitch, McBurnie is often the target, yet is rarely given free-kicks, while it’s felt he’s often penalised.
He did, however, end his eight-game goal drought, which dated back to the win over Derby County in late February, as City suffered a controversial loss in South Yorkshire, having been teed up by Liam Millar.
That’s now 15 goals and eight assists in all competitions for City’s talismanic frontman this term, as he continues to push the Tigers towards a top-six finish.
“We have to create a chance for Oli McBurnie, and then he will put it in the net,” the Croatian said. “Until now, this has been our problem because he didn’t have many balls or chances, so he put a lot of energy there; it’s not easy for him.
“A lot of the time, they don’t give a foul on him as well because if you look at the opposition, it’s always little touches for a foul, but for Oli McBurnie, I sometimes see him like a rugby player.
“They throw him left and right without any foul. When you watch the game again in peace, you’re drinking coffee, and then you see there is no consistency. That’s it.”
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