Friday's news that Andre Gray has been given a four-match ban for historic social media posts, effective immediately, is a blow to Burnley's survival chances. Despite being early in the season, Gray will miss Monday's Premier League game at home to Watford and three tough fixtures against Arsenal, Southampton and Everton.
While Clarets fans will understandably be dismayed and frustrated to lose their star striker for such a long period to a punishment that seems to affect the club more than the player, it is hard to have any sympathy for Gray. Meanwhile, his absence will open the door for Patrick Bamford to get his chance.