Burnley FC were presented the 2015/16 Championship league title on Monday after they beat Charlton Athletic 3-0 on Saturday but were left embarrassed when Joey Barton was not handed a winners’ medal. Sean Dyche’s team were not handed the trophy at The Valley due to security concerns and were hence presented the trophy at Burnley Town Hall.
However, there was a problem when there were more players than medals available. And the unlucky one to miss out was former Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers midfielder Barton. The 33-year-old had joined The Clarets on a one-year deal in August last year and had an incredible season.
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The English midfielder had played 38 league games for Burnley and even scored three goals. His performances had seen him get voted into the Championship PFA Team of the Year while he was also voted the club’s Player of the Season.
Why Barton did not get a medal
The club will be held responsible for the embarrassing situation because they were clearly told that there were only 25 medals to give away. However, the club put forward a list of 27 players.
As the medals were given out, it became apparent that there were not enough to go around. Barton was the penultimate player set to receive a medal before Burnley captain Tom Heaton was to receive the last one.
Representatives from the Football League were forced to refuse to give Barton a medal as Heaton was set to lift the Championship trophy and could not do so without a medal around his neck. Heaton had to be wearing one for the celebrations and photographs to be taken.
An unhappy Barton stepped aside and let Heaton take the final medal. Barton even refused to lift the trophy when it was handed over to him. However, he did take a replica of the trophy from a fan in the crowd and lifted that above his head, much to the amusement of those around.
Barton had even taken to Twitter to make light of the moment.
Burnley issue apology
After the incident, Burnley released a statement, saying: “Burnley Football Club would like to apologise for the mix-up during the medal ceremony.
“The Football League advised the club that 25 medals were to be presented, but the club put forward 27 players.
“We would like to apologise to the Football League for this administrative error and every player will be receive one.”
