The Championship trophy was ready with claret ribbons and the supporters turned up for a party.
But Queens Park Rangers denied Burnley their title celebrations with a remarkable 2-1 win at Turf Moor.
Substitute Chris Martin scored the late winner as QPR lifted themselves towards safety and manager Gareth Ainsworth said: ‘Burnley are a hell of a team. We sat in and defended. The boys had to believe in it and they did.’
Next for Burnley is a trip tomorrow to Blackburn, who conceded a stoppage-time equaliser at Preston to draw 1-1 and dent their play-off push.