Charlton 0-3 Burnley - Charlton Relegated as Burnley Seal League Title

Charlton vs Burnley

Charlton vs Burnley always promised to be a fierce game, for all the wrong reasons. Since the beginning of the year, agitated Charlton fans have been protesting and demonstrating against owner, Roland Duchâtelet and CEO, Katrien Meire. Frustration amongst the Charlton fans has been built upon numerous mistakes and a clear lack of footballing knowledge expressed by the duo with no intention of listening to the people who matter most. Many former players have spoken out about the owners and the current situation the club find themselves in. Such players include Yann Kermorgant, Sasa Ilic and Paul Mortimer. All stating that the relationship between the fans and the owners has reached a point of no return.

Charlton set the game off brightly within the first 7 minutes as Callum Harriott’s initial chance was blocked and Ademola Lookman could only run the ball out of play whilst trying to attack. Only a few minutes later, a Charlton counter attack led to Igor Vetokele pulling the ball back to Harriott, forcing a save from Burnley and England goalkeeper, Tom Heaton. The following corner came to nothing but after Charlton regained the ball on the edge of the penalty box, Lookman charged into the box being brought down on the way. With the penalty appeal being rejected, Burnley launched one of their own counter attacks, which allowed Burnley to shoot over the bar. After a spell of nice passing play by Charlton, Burnley enjoyed a good spell of their own. Firstly, Burnley hit the side netting through Andre Gray, however, only a minute later and Burnley found themselves 1-0 up despite Charlton looking the better team. After more Burnley attacks and some poor Charlton passing Charlton looked more dangerous again. In the 25th minute Johann Berg Gudmundsson darted into the box and fired a shot which was saved by Heaton. Another Heaton save followed as it was Harriott’s turn to shoot. Again, Gudmundsson fired a powerful strike into the path of Heaton forcing a good save from the Burnley stopper. After more good build up play from Charlton left back, Morgan Fox slipped at the vital moment of getting a cross in. Burnley got on the attack again as another shot, this time deflected, hit the side netting. After the following corner led to nothing, at the other end Lookman's pull back was hit by Harriott and his shot was well saved by Heaton after a counter attack started by Gudmundsson. He really should have done better with that opportunity. In the 37th minute Jordan Cousins unleashed a speculative shot from outside of the 18 yard box which was saved easily by Heaton. Later, A lot of Charlton passing around the edge of the box led to a shot being deflected out. From the resulting corner, which was taken short, Lookman was fouled but the referee waved play on. Immediately after, the ball went out of play and should have been a Charlton corner but again the referee and linesman waved play on. Vetokele battled past 3 Burnley players then slipped while shooting in the 42nd minute. As the first half drew to a close Fox’s cross couldn't be reached by anyone, neither Charlton nor Burnley players. Moments later, Lookman ducked and weaved his way into the box and had his shot blocked. Charlton seemed the better team in the first half and looked like a constant threat when on the attack. Burnley were restricted to shots from distance that usually went wide or high.

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Right after the second half kicked off, Burnley went 2-0 up. Stephen Ward’s cross wasn't properly dealt with as it evaded everyone and the ball fell to Boyd who composed himself and then scored. Just 2 minutes later and Burnley were 3-0 up. An over the top ball fell to Andre Gray, the championship’s top scorer, and he slotted the ball into the net through Charlton keeper, Nick Pope’s legs. Then came the first of many stoppages as the first flare was thrown onto the pitch. In the 56th minute Fox blocked a cross that would have caused the Charlton defence trouble. A Charlton counter attack almost led to a goal as Vetokele’s shot rolled past Heaton but narrowly wide of the far post. After Burnley had more of the ball, Charlton got the ball more but couldn't create any chances. Johnnie Jackson came on for Gudmundsson, clapping the fans as the fans rose for Gudmundsson. Possibly the last time he will be seen in a Charlton shirt. Just before Gudmundsson came off, Sam Vokes was replaced by Ashley Barnes. Former France international and World Cup finalist, Alou Diarra let a Burnley player run past him but fortunately, Jorge Teixara was there to deal with the danger. In the 75th minute a Charlton fan invaded the pitch to up the pressure on Duchâtelet and Meire. The supporter did a full lap of the pitch while holding up a message for Duchâtelet. After being removed from the pitch, the invader received a round of applause and many handshakes from fellow fans. Following on from this two more flares were thrown onto the pitch to delay the match even further. As the game came to a close, Harriott was replaced by Yun Suk Young and Ahmed Kashi was replaced by El-Hadji Ba. Also, for Burnley, Michael Keane came off for Michael Duff. Finally, to finish the game off Fox’s long shot from outside of the box was well tipped over by Heaton and from the following corner, Harriott's shot after a nice piece of skill was blocked by Joey Barton.

As the full time whistle blew, Burnley supporters charged into the pitch. It took a little longer for Charlton fans to reach the pitch as the police mainly focused on restricting the Charlton supporters but their best efforts weren't enough to stop both sets of fans joining forces against Duchâtelet and Meire. The fight against Duchâtelet will continue. Finally, Charlton manager, José Riga resigned after the game. After becoming manager in January, for the second time, despite his best attempts, he wasn't able to keep Charlton in the championship like he did so two years ago.

Written by Luke Boatfield