SHAMEFUL, ALL KIDDING ASIDE

AMONG the defining images of a revolt which shames West Ham, the pictures of young children sheltering in the Burnley dugout from grown men fighting each other are the most repugnant. Clarets players lifted the youngsters into the back row of the visitors’ bench as Hammers militants scrambled to hurl abuse at club owners aged 82 and 69. Burnley sub Sam Vokes helped to look after the unexpected guests and said: “It was a strange afternoon. The boys did their job and got the win. The kids’ mum was ushering them away and we got them over the barriers. I think they had the time of their lives sat on the bench. I had a good chat with the kids – I think they enjoyed it.”

SANCTUARY Young fans find a place of safety from the stadium unrest.. on the Burnley bench