It was a shock to see Joey Barton banned from all football activity for 18 months.
Boss Sean Dyche described the punishment as "harsh" and while there is great sadness among Clarets supporters that Barton's career has reached such a sad note, his absence will surely open the door for the massively popular midfielder Steven Defour to return to the side.
Defour's season has been badly affected by injury and Dyche has often appeared to lack trust in the Belgium international, introducing untested teenager Dan Agyei as his last substitution against United and leaving Defour kicking his heels on the bench.