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'I'll always be a Claret': Reaction from famous fans as Burnley lose top-flight status

Devastated Burnley fans look on as their side are relegated from the Premier League. Pic: PA
Devastated Burnley fans look on as their side are relegated from the Premier League. Pic: PA

SUPPORTERS of Burnley Football Club had a day to forget yesterday as the club dropped into the second tier of English football for the first time in six years.

Regulars at happy-turned-sad-place Turf Moor, including famous faces such as BBC Radio 1 DJ Jordan North and political communications expert Alastair Campbell, saw their team relegated from the Premier League following a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

With everything resting on a nail-biting final round of fixtures, Burnley sat 17th level on points with 18th placed Leeds United but with a superior goal difference - Leeds had to better Burnley's result to stay up.

Burnley went two goals down to the Magpies and despite pulling one back could score an equaliser to force Leeds into needing a win.

Leeds finished up their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Brentford, scoring an injury time winner, which would have ultimately sent Burnley down regardless of an equaliser against Newcastle.

Prior to the match, famous Burnley fan Jordan North - who rose to fame on I'm A Celebrity! Get Me Out Of Here, where his love of Burnley shone through - took to social media to say he was so nervous that he couldn't even eat.

He said: "I’ve just tried to eat a slice of toast, got two bites in and I couldn’t stomach it.

"I’ve never known nerves like this before… and I’ve been in a coffin full of snakes. Come on Burnley!"

Following their relegation, North simply and rather sadly wrote: "I'll always be a Claret."

Lancashire Telegraph: Burnley fan Jordan North
Lancashire Telegraph: Burnley fan Jordan North

Burnley fan Jordan North

Journalist and former spin doctor Alastair Campbell, who also attended the game, put a positive spin on Burnley's relegation - saying he won't miss having to wait up to see Burnley feature on Match of the Day anymore.

He said: "Home from the game in time to see Match of the Day. Have to say Gary Lineker and team did both the title and the relegation dramas really well.

"Will miss not being able to complain about being on last next season. It’s been a great few years."

Campbell and other Clarets fans instead have a 9pm EFL highlights show on ITV4 to look forward to next season.

Other famous Burnley fans - cricketer James Anderson, Corrie actor Sam Aston, and the His Royal Highness Prince Charles - have yet to comment on social media on their team's demise.

On Sky Sports punditry, ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane said he had "no sympathy" for Burnley after they sacked Sean Dyche in the hopes of a change in fortunes under the temporary stewardship of Mike Jackson.

Keane said the Clarets had ultimately "paid the price" for not sticking with Dyche, who he said is a "top manager".

A spokesperson for Burnley said: "This is not the outcome we wanted and for that we are sorry.

"You gave everything at Turf Moor today and you've been with us every step of the way - for that we couldn't be more grateful."

Lancashire Telegraph: Wout Weghorst after Burnley's relegation on Sunday. Pic: PA
Lancashire Telegraph: Wout Weghorst after Burnley's relegation on Sunday. Pic: PA

Wout Weghorst after Burnley's relegation on Sunday. Pic: PA

Next season's EFL Championship will see Burnley, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Preston North End all in the same division for the first time since the 1960/61 term, promising a bumper season of Lancashire derbies.

Some Rovers fans took to Twitter to express their joy at seeing Burnley relegated, and the impending derby days to come in 2022/23.

One fan said: "The only thing that could have made me happier this season was us going up. Hold that L Burnley, see you next season."

Ryan Higgins added: "No doubt about it, the biggest Lancashire derby will be back next season. #Rovers but let's be honest every Lancashire club hates Burnley."

Kirsty Macmillan said: "Yes! Get in Bye Bye Burnley! Cya next season!"

Andy Peters added: "Time to get the #EastLancashireDerby back next season."