FOOTBALL club bosses have said supporters responsible for making homophobic comments will receive lengthy bans.

Last weekend, several people were arrested during Burnley’s fixture with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium after a number of alleged offences took place – including the making of homophobic comments and assault.

A spokesman said: “The Club would like to state that those identified for these offences will receive lengthy bans in addition to any sentence imposed by the courts.

“The Club has also been informed that there were several other persons ejected from the Etihad Stadium for engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour. These spectators will also be facing lengthy bans from Burnley Football Club.

“Burnley Football Club works hard to remove all forms of discrimination and inappropriate behaviour and our message to supporters is clear; racism and homophobia is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club.

“The vast majority of Burnley Football Club supporters attending our home and away fixtures behave in an exemplary manner and are a credit to the club. Unfortunately, since the start of the season we have seen a small number of our supporters causing disorder home and away which is tarnishing the reputation of our Club.

“We will continue to work with our partners and take positive action against anyone who commit offences, imposing lengthy bans where appropriate.”

The messages was released on Friday evening, before Burnley’s game away to Southampton on Saturday.