Burnley's oldest fans act as mascots in FA Cup tie against Lincoln
Saturday 18 February 2017 13:02, UK
Burnley's oldest fans walked out as mascots for their FA Cup tie against Lincoln in tribute to their "lifetime support".
Clarets supporters ranging from 69-85 years of age walked out arm in arm with the first team for the fifth-round fixture at Turf Moor, in what Burnley claim is the first time a professional English football club has invited the older generation to do so in such a match.
"At Burnley FC in the Community we are committed to working with a diverse range of people to achieve our mission of inspiring, supporting and delivering change to communities," Neil Hart, Burnley FC in the Community chief executive officer said earlier this week.
"We pride ourselves on being an inclusive club and thought what better opportunity to celebrate Burnley's oldest fans than by getting them involved in such an exciting occasion.
"We wanted to make the gesture to give back to the lifetime of support they have given to the club and we hope that everyone will join us in giving them a big cheer on Saturday!"
Swedish club AIK paid a similar tribute to their older fans when they were led out by supporters aged between 81 and 96 before a league game last year.
