SEAGULLS FLAP PUTS DYCHE’S EUROPA LEAGUE PARTY ON HOLD – FOR NOW
BURNLEY will have to wait to secure European football for the first time in over 50 years after being held by Brighton.
Everton’s 2-0 victory at Huddersfield means the Clarets are not mathematically assured of a top-seven finish and a place in next season’s Europa League just yet.
But Sean Dyche’s men sit six points clear of the Toffees – and have a better goal difference – with two games left.
Burnley, whose last European campaign was during the 1966-67 season, came closest to scoring at Turf Moor when Kevin Long’s effort hit a post in the first half but they settled for a point.
Clarets boss Dyche said: “It’s hard to sit here on a soft performance to question the players. Over the season they’ve been absolutely fantastic.
“The points we’ve got on the table in the Premier League, you can’t cheat that. You can have a lucky spell but you can’t be lucky all season. It takes organisation, delivery of performance, the mentality to take on each game and we’ve had that in abundance.”
The goalless draw gave Brighton a valuable point in their battle to avoid the drop. They are now five clear of Southampton in 18th.
But Brighton boss Chris Hughton was incensed that the Burnley fans booed Gaetan Bong after former Turf Moor favourite Jay Rodriguez was cleared of alleged racially abusing him in January.
Hughton said: “I thought the reaction of the Burnley supporters towards Gaetan every time he got the ball was shameful, I really do.
“I was incredibly surprised, I must admit. I certainly didn’t expect it here.” The Clarets started strongly with Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood both coming close to sweeping in Ashley Westwood’s low driven cross.
And a free-kick in the 24th minute from Johann Berg Gudmundsson nearly produced the opener in a frantic spell of play.
Mat Ryan saved twice from Barnes and Jack Cork, eventually scooping the ball away on his own line to James Tarkowski, who back-heeled to Long to hit a post from point-blank range.
The ball then popped up and appeared to strike Lewis Dunk on the arm before going behind for a corner but referee Roger East was not interested in awarding Burnley their first penalty in the Premier League for over a year.
The referee was in the spotlight for the rest of the half. Firstly, Long nodded on to Bruno’s outstretched arm from close range and the official gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Then East had to try and calm down both sides on the stroke of half-time as tempers flared. The hosts were angry about not receiving the ball back from a drop-ball situation following an injury to Gudmundsson, leading to shoving from both sides.
Nick Pope smothered Pascal Gross’ attempt at his near post shortly after the restart, while Aaron Lennon got in Wood’s way as the New Zealander prepared to pull the trigger.
Sam Vokes entered the fray for Burnley and Glenn Murray for Brighton but neither side could find a winner.
Although a point should be enough for them to achieve their respective goals of European qualification and safety.