Brighton striker Neal Maupay accused James Tarkowski of 'throwing' him to the ground in the build-up to Burnley's opener with the Clarets defender insisting the Seagulls man 'fell over.'

Maupay and the Brighton players protested to referee David Coote after the goal, which was awarded following a VAR check, but he opener stood.

It was the start of a running battle between goalscorer and marker with the two trading yellow cards for fouls on each other in the first half.

READ MORE: Dyche on Cornet speculation as Burnley boss reiterates transfer window priority

Maupay levelled the match in the second half before Alexis MacAllister won it for the visitors.

And after the Frenchman and Tarkowski gave contrasting views on the Clarets opener.

"It is 100 per cent a foul, he threw me on the ground," said Maupay, an opinion not shared by the Burnley man.

"Blocking happens all the time in the box and sometimes it gets given and sometimes it doesn't," said Tarkowski.

"If someone is there just to block you then I am not just going to let him hold onto me and not try and move him out of the way.

"If he wants to fall over then that is up to him."

