Football League Championship winners Burnley F.C., have apologised after midfielder Joseph Anthony “Joey” Barton did not receive a Championship winner’s medal. 33-year-old Barton was amongst the last players to arrive at the Burnley Borough Council as his team-mates were about to lift the Championship cup.
Burnley took it to Twitter and announced that The Football League informed them that 25 medals were to be awarded, but the team put forward all 27 players. The team had two medals short during the cup presentation on Monday. Defender James Alan Tarkowski was also refused a medal.
Burnley Media Manager Feels the Heat
Darren Bentley, Burnley’s Media Manager, said he blames himself for sending forward all 27 players at the presentation. He added by saying it wasn’t his finest hour.
Burnley, who were confirmed the champions after beating Charlton 3-0 on Saturday the 7th of May at The Valley, were forced to wait for the cup following Football League’s controversial debate not to present the cup away from the ground.
Barton refused to lift the cup when it was passed around by his team-mates, instead, he lifted a hot-air balloon he got from the crowd.
Tarkowski, who also failed to receive a Championship winner’s medal, posted on Twitter and say “It was only banter, as if I’d refuse a Championship winning medal! The ribbon wouldn’t fit over my ears so waiting for one with more give!”