CONTROVERSY has dominated the first half at Turf Moor, with Burnley reduced to 10 men after only 15 minutes.
Kieran Trippier made two goalline blocks as Charlton pressed, but the first from Rob Hulse was deemed to have been handled by the right back by the referee, who immediately pointed to the spot and gave Trippier his marching orders.
The right back was reluctant to leave the field at first, baffled by the decision after no hint of an appeal by the opposition.
But jeers by the home fans, directed at referee Robert Madley, turned to cheers as Lee Grant got low to his right to save Johnnie Jackson's spot kick.
Two further handball offences went un-noticed by Madley, the first by ex-Claret Leon Cort on his return to Turf Moor, and both when Burnley were attacking, causing greater frustration for Clarets fans.
But despite their one-man deficit Burnley could have gone in front just after the half-hour when Brian Stock cracked a stunning left-foot volley towards the top corner from 30 yards, only to be denied by an equally excellent save from Ben Hamer, who denied Michael Duff a far post header from the corner.
Grant got another important touch to stop Danny Haynes from scoring with a shot across goal, with Cort heading the subsequent corner wide.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel