Dyche hoping for Burnley response

FOOTBALL: Sean Dyche wants Burnley’s response to the ‘White Lives Matter’ banner which was flown above their match against Manchester City on Monday night to strengthen the club’s anti-racism message.

Burnley have condemned the banner and promised to impose life bans if the perpetrators can be identified, and Dyche said the message stood in contrast to the club’s principles and the extensive work done in the community.

But the manager also hopes a strong response to the incident can strengthen the campaign against all forms of discrimination.

“There has to be some form of silver lining to the cloud,” Dyche said. “The reaction to that moment has been so overwhelming and empowering on the things that need to be addressed.

“If there is a silver lining it’s that reinforcement of all those messages that have been going out to make sure that it doesn’t exist.

“Football has been pushing hard now for a long time on this message and will continue to do so and should continue to do so.”

Burnley remain without Ashley Barnes, Chris Wood and Johann Berg Gudmundsson but Phil Bardsley is available after agreeing fresh terms with the club.

Bardsley sat out Monday’s 5-0 defeat at Manchester City along with Joe Hart, Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Lennon and Adam Legzdins due to uncertainty over their contracts but while Bardsley is staying on, Sean Dyche indicated the other four had played their final games for the club.

Watford have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their trip north. Daryl Janmaat and Gerard Deulofeu (both knee) and Isaac Success (ankle) remain absent.