CLUB STATEMENT: BOB LORD

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Burnley FC statement regarding investigation into former Chairman Bob Lord

2022-07-25T10:00:00.000Z

CLUB STATEMENT: BOB LORD

Burnley FC statement regarding investigation into former Chairman Bob Lord

2022-07-25T10:00:00.000Z

Burnley FC statement regarding investigation into former Chairman Bob Lord

Burnley Football Club has concluded their standing investigation concerning ‘antisemitic comments’ made by former Chairman Robert William ‘Bob’ Lord.

In light of historical information dated 1974 whereby Lord, who was the guest of honour at a Variety Club Dinner openly delivered a speech which led to letters of complaint sent by attendees to the Football Association, and the Football League in response to his remarks.

The Club has found that the remarks within Lord's speech caused anger at the time, and it is claimed guests walked out of the event in protest. Lord later apologised for the comments stating:

“If I have hurt anyone’s feelings, I apologise.”

Following on from a six-month investigation which entailed recovering historical information relating to Bob Lord and consultation with Jewish representatives and advisors, including calls for Jewish communities and supporters to contact the Club. Burnley Football Club can confirm there will be no further action on the request for a name change associated to the Bob Lord Stand which opened in 1974.

As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling all forms of discrimination both on and off the pitch, and making Burnley Football Cub inclusive to all, we have officially adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IRHA) working definition of antisemitism which states:

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

This definition will now continue to be incorporated in all current and future Club training, policies and reviews including our ‘supporters code of conduct’, matchday steward training and Academy player education.

Alan Pace, Burnley FC Chairman said: "Burnley Football Club continues to take a proactive stance against all forms of discrimination and hate crime. Adopting the IHRA definition in full is an important step going forwards and ultimately provides clarity across football on the language and actions of staff, players, supporters, and everyone associated with the game.

“As a custodian of Burnley Football Club, I strongly believe everyone should feel safe and welcome, whether watching or attending a football game.”

Gurpri Bains, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lead for Burnley FC further supported:

“As a Club, we are committed to being proactive in our work around EDI, by continually listening to our supporters, providing training and education for our staff, and putting inclusivity at the heart of everything we do. We will continue to work with Kick It Out, the Holocaust Education Trust and Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region to ensure we address any issues around antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, so that our Club is inviting to all.”

Lord John Mann, Independent Government Advisor on antisemitism and Kick it Out Ambassador, recently delivered antisemitism training to Burnley Football Club, Burnley FC in the Community staff and the Executive Management team.

Burnley Football Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Lord Mann, The Football Association, Lancashire FA, Kick it Out and Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region for their cooperation and support in aiding this investigation.