Watford manager Marco Silva has criticised referee Lee Probert for showing Marvin Zeegelaar a straight red card during this afternoon's Premier League clash with Burnley at Turf Moor.

Zeegelaar was given his marching orders with six minutes remaining of the first half for a reckless challenge on Steven Defour, and Burnley quickly made the most of their numerical advantage by scoring the only goal of the game before half time.

Silva believes that the decision was an unfair one, insisting that it had a major impact on the game as Watford ultimately slipped down to ninth place and six points behind the high-flying Clarets.

"For me it is clear, it is harsh, harsh, harsh. Not a red card for me. I think the result is not fair, the decision, the referee as well," Silva told reporters.

"Until the red card the game is balanced. After comes the decision (and) it has a big, big influence. I think it is not fair in that moment.

"[The referee] didn't want to say anything, I don't know why. He didn't want to speak. For me it's clear they cannot control the normal match with two fair teams."

Watford are now winless in their last three Premier League matches ahead of Tuesday's visit to bottom club Crystal Palace.