Burnley have acted quickly to issue a life ban to a supporter after an incident of racial abuse during a pre-season friendly against Bradford City.
The 30-year-old man has been handed an indefinite suspension from all home and away games involving the newly-promoted Premier League club, after being interviewed by Burnley officials in the light of the incident.
According to a club statement, a police investigation was launched in relation to “racial comments aimed at a Bradford City player”.
The banned supporter was reportedly expelled from the Valley Parade stadium during the game. A second man, who the club says left the ground voluntarily, has not been banned.
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Burnley striker Andre Gray, who scored twice in the 4-1 win, condemned the actions of ‘2 racist Burnley fans’ immediately after the game.
In its statement on the ban, the club made clear its “zero tolerance approach” and condemnation of “discrimination of any type”.
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The police investigation is ongoing, but a statement from Bradford City provides further detail on the incident.
‘The man in question had been overheard making racist comments towards the player and was warned by match stewards that if such abuse was witnessed and continued he would be ejected,’ the Bradford statement reads.
‘The spectator made a further comment and at this point the player reported the abuse to the Assistant Referee.
‘Additional staff were deployed to the area in which Burnley supporters were seated and following continued abuse was ejected.’
Equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out has commended Gray for speaking out, while praising both clubs for taking ‘urgent action’.
Burnley’s statement has received a similarly positive response from fans, who appreciate the decision to instantly issue a life ban.
Good, Scum like that are not needed within football
— Adam (@adam_major1) July 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/Alastairr_/status/757612019604451328
https://twitter.com/footy7tweets/status/757610412070273024
