'Grim day brings the R-word into focus'

Saturday’s game at Cardiff ended with a mass brawl as the players, including some of Burnley’s substitutes, clashed on the pitch.

They completely lost their cool, it was embarrassing and will probably result in an FA charge and possibly a club fine.

Having just watched their side capitulate from 4-1 up to 5-4 down inside the final half an hour, the supporters who travelled to Cardiff, and those following back home, were then subjected to that reaction.

The lack of discipline and respect shown during those final few moments of the game was a dreadful look on a grim day for the club.

The contrast from this Burnley side to the one that won promotion under Scott Parker could not be greater, and it’s not just about the numbers.

Although, the numbers are worth looking at.

Just 16 goals conceded during that promotion season. It’s now 31 goals against this time round already. They’ve taken the lead in 10 of their 15 league games and only won once. They’ve lost 23 points from winning positions.

Burnley have gone from having a team that was relatable and likeable, that ran and worked hard and represented the club, to one that has forgotten how to win and has no way of dealing with adversity.

The squad looks bloated, poorly balanced and far too injury-prone and with too many who probably don’t want to be there.

It’s been 26 years since Burnley last played outside England’s top two divisions.

Could the club cope with a relegation to League One? The longer the season goes on, it’s a question that is increasingly difficult to avoid asking.