Joey Barton: Burnley midfielder receives Championship winners' medal

Burnley's Joey Barton has to go without Championship medal

Burnley's Joey Barton and James Tarkowski have finally received their Championship winners' medals following a mix-up by the club.

The Clarets apologised after midfielder Barton and defender Tarkowski had to go without one at Monday's celebrations.

The Football League had advised 25 medals would be presented, but 27 players came forward.

Burnley's media manager Darren Bentley took the blame, explaining to BBC Radio 5 live: "It wasn't my finest hour."

He added: "In all the excitement, I just completely lost the plot and all 27 went forward - of course it would be Joey that's last, wouldn't it?

"I've apologised to both the lads. They were really good about it."

Tarkowski and Barton
Burnley's player of the year Barton (right) and Tarkowski were presented with the medals on Tuesday
Joey Barton

Barton, 33, was one of the last to arrive at Burnley Town Hall as the players were about to lift the Championship trophy, celebrating an immediate return to the Premier League.

When the trophy was passed around the squad, the club's player of the year refused to lift it, instead holding aloft an inflatable one he got from the crowd.

"No medal? What's going on?" the former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder tweeted.external-link

The club later wrote: "Burnley Football Club would like to apologise for the mix-up during the medal ceremony.

"We would like to apologise to the Football League for this administrative error and every player will be receiving one."

Joey Barton
Barton refused to lift the Football League trophy, instead holding aloft an inflatable one
Burnley open top bus
The Burnley players enjoyed an open-top bus parade around the town
Burnley fans
Thousands of supporters lined the streets to join in with the celebrations
Sean Dyche
Manager Sean Dyche and goalkeeper Tom Heaton held aloft the trophy from the balcony of Burnley Town Hall

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