Crossword Genius

A club brawl recalled — such a shambles! (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abattoir

'a shambles' is the definition.
(shambles could historically mean a slaughterhouse)

'a club brawl recalled' is the wordplay.
'club' becomes 'bat' (as in sporting equipment).
'brawl' becomes 'riot' (I've seen this in another clue).
'recalled' is a reversal indicator (to recall can mean to bring something back).
'riot' reversed gives 'toir'.
'a'+'bat'+'toir'='ABATTOIR'

'such' is the link.

(Other definitions for abattoir that I've seen before include "Animal slaughter-house" , "building where blood is shed" , "place where animals die" , "I tar boat (anag)" , "It might make a killing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app