An East Lancashire football club has issued a statement on ‘persistent standing’ at its stadium after some fans were banned for not sitting down.

Burnley Football Club has said persistent standing "obstructs other people’s views" and is also a safety issue.

While some say the crackdown will improve fan experiences, others say banning supporters is a step too far and have launched petitions against the move and calling for safe standing areas at the ground.

In a statement, Burnley confirmed they have been in communication with “a number of season ticket holders” regarding persistent standing in the north stand lower at Turf Moor.

By ‘persistent’, the club means when individuals in seated areas stand for prolonged periods of time rather than for short durations in periods of play where it could be deemed unnatural to remain seated.

A spokesperson said "several supporters" were sent correspondence reminding them to remain in their designated seats, who have now been banned for failing to comply.

They said: “Persistent standing not only obstructs other people’s views and spoils their enjoyment but is a safety issue and breach of ground regulations that are stated when fans purchase a ticket to a game at Turf Moor.

“This has been reinforced via the match days stewarding team.

“As a football club, Burnley FC work under a safety certificate, issued by Lancashire County Council, and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority has been in communication with the club asking us to intervene on the matter surrounding persistent standing before they take further action."

If the procedures aren't adhered to authorities have the power to close blocks of seats and stands at the stadium.

According to the Clarets, the repercussions and wider impact could have an “impact on a significant number of supporters” which is why they are taking a strong stance on the issue of persistent standing in block and why they have chosen to ban supporters for not complying.

A spokesperson said they held discussions with the identified supporters on this matter and numerous attempts had been made to resolve the situation.

They said: “At the stadium we must be rigorous in upholding the all-seater licence, however we have an approved management plan in this stand, with increased stewarding and safety procedures in place to provide spectator safety for those standing for longer periods of the game.

“Burnley Football Club is dedicated to ensuring Turf Moor is a safe and enjoyable environment for all supporters, and through this statement aim to clarify how we have reached this position and why such action has been taken.

"We will continue in this fashion to resolve the issue.

“We thank supporters for their cooperation and understanding on this matter.”

Since posting the statement many have jumped to the defence of the football club.

Denis Kirkham said: “I am disabled but sit in easy access seats and find it very difficult if I'm constantly standing and then sitting back down.

“I appreciate the atmosphere thing and the way that we were years ago but today is now and times change, so please enjoy the game as is your right but allow me to enjoy the game as well."

Another said: “When I buy my seat I know I'm not supposed to stand so I expect all those around me to sit down too.

“I still jump up when we score but just not all the time during play."

Lee Greenwood said: “The club is duty bound to ensure spectators don’t stand throughout the game.

“Firstly it’s a courtesy not to obstruct others but above all it’s a safety thing in line with their licence.

“If the club don’t enforce it they may be ordered to close the entire block or worse.”

However, others disagreed with the strong stance.

One person said: “Killing the atmosphere for no reason! Get safe standing sorted and people will be able to stand without a problem.”

“Get a grip,” said another. “Standing and chanting is all part of the game.”

A third person called the statement “absolutely ridiculous”.

Many have also been campaigning the move with a banner which read ‘fans, not criminals #standonthelongside’ making an appearance at a game last week.

Lancashire Telegraph: A sign at Turf Moor which says 'fans not criminals #standonthelongside'A sign at Turf Moor which says 'fans not criminals #standonthelongside'

Burnley fan, Ian Measures, has even started a petition calling for standing areas to be implemented at Turf Moor.

In a statement, Ian said the intention of protest is “not to undermine Burnley FC or safety standards”.

He said: “We are asking the club to enter into an honest and open dialogue regarding its proposals for safe standing areas and ensure that all fans are included so no fan’s match day experience is impacted.”