BURNLEY'S stay in third place of the first division lasted less than 24 hours after the Football League yesterday confirmed West Brom's 3-0 lead in the abandoned 'Battle of Bramall Lane' will stand as the result.

Sheffield United, who take on the Clarets tomorrow afternoon, had three men sent off in Saturday's explosive game.

When two more were injured the match was halted in the 82nd minute as the Blades had one less than the minimum permitted seven players on the pitch.

The league board of directors' unanimous decision to opt for the award of three points - rather than a controversial replay - hoisted Gary Megson's men onto 70 points, eight behind second-placed Wolves, two ahead of the Clarets and seven above Birmingham, who occupy seventh spot and are trying to catch the play-off pack.

League spokesman John Nagle said: "The board were absolutely clear that any other decision would be grossly unfair and set a precedent that would not be in the best interests of the game."

The League confirmed West Brom chairman and League board member Paul Thompson "did not vote or participate in any discussions regarding this matter."

It was revealed yesterday that Thompson would declare a vested interest in the ballot - but the remaining directors did not need his persuasion to decide the Baggies' lead should stand.

However, this is certainly not the end of the matter for the Blades, as the Football Association are expected to reveal next week whether they will hit United with a charge of failing to control their players.

The FA are also probing an alleged incident in the tunnel after the abandonment of the game - and the League have pledged to fully support the governing body's investigation.

The League statement added: "Any possible disciplinary action relating to the actions of any players and or officials during and immediately after the match will have to be considered by the FA.

"The League will pass all its reports on the game to the FA for further consideration under their disciplinary rules."