Burnley ‘specifically’ ban A4 Premier League protest cards and flags for Everton match

Everton fans have received a warning that Burnley has implemented a policy prohibiting the entry of flags or A4-sized cards into their stadium for the upcoming Saturday match between the two clubs. Everton, in their official away day guide for Burnley on their website, stated that Burnley Football Club has specifically requested them to inform traveling fans that bringing flags or A4-sized cards into Turf Moor will not be allowed. Burnley FC emphasized that any attempt to bring such items into the stadium will result in confiscation.

Previously, on November 2, Burnley had announced “new measures around flags and banners,” but there was no mention of A4-sized cards at that time. In that announcement, Burnley highlighted initiatives to enhance the matchday experience, including allowing flags and banners inside the stadium.

The club’s statement mentioned the introduction of these measures during the match against West Ham United on November 25, where the first 200 fans received official Burnley FC flags. However, it was specified that only approved flags purchased from the Clarets Store or obtained through the stadium giveaway would be allowed inside, considering health and safety measures and respect for others.

Furthermore, the statement indicated that, in line with Premier League guidance, supporters attending matches are currently not permitted to bring Israeli or Palestinian flags into Premier League stadiums.

The context of this policy becomes noteworthy due to Everton’s recent 10-point deduction on November 17, the largest sporting sanction in the 135-year history of English top-flight football.

This penalty was imposed after Everton was found guilty of a Premier League financial breach by an independent commission. Everton promptly announced their intention to appeal, with their interim chief executive Colin Chong describing the punishment as “disproportionate and wholly unjust.”

In response to the points deduction, the Everton supporters group, The 1878s, had organized a Premier League protest involving pink A4 cards for the entire home fanbase during the match against Manchester United on November 26.

Subsequently, traveling Everton fans displayed these cards en masse during their match at Nottingham Forest, while green-colored cards were held up in the Park End during Burnley’s game against Newcastle United.