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Burnley owner compares fans unhappy with 16 game winless run to a ‘3 year old’s tantrum’

Burnley owner Alan Pace compares fans who are unhappy with the club’s 16 game winless run to a ‘3 year old’s tantrum’.

Crysencio Summerville put West Ham ahead on 13 minutes, before Taty Castellanos headed a second just before the break. The result sees West Ham now three points from safety, while Burnley are now 11 points adrift.

Chairman Alan Pace was interviewed for BBC’s Football Focus on Saturday lunchtime ahead of the game after after being asked about the club’s Premier League struggles, pressure on Scott Parker, a quiet January transfer window and what the future looks like for the club, he also took aim at the fans’ concerns.

So it’s no wonder it was an ‘edgy’ atmosphere inside Turf Moor throughout the game…

On being too good for the Championship, but staying in the Premier League being a very difficult thing to do…

Alan Pace said: “Yes, it’s one of the hardest things that I could have ever imagined.

“Coming into this a few years ago, people made it sound like it was just a given, and it’s far from a given.

“From our perspective, it is exceptionally difficult. We’ve spent over £300million in the last four or five years, and it’s not easy, and we’re going to spend hundreds more, I have no doubt, over the coming years.”

On the club/manager going to be under pressure with these sort of run of results that Scott Parker’s been under, and the noise from fans hoping of new signings in the January transfer window…

Alan said: “No, look, the pressure’s always immense, no matter when, but certainly during a winter window.

“I’m sure that those that don’t just play this game on a computer somewhere realise how tough it really is, but there were multiple signings that fell through, didn’t happen, couldn’t make it. There’s also crazy things that always come up.

“The reality is it’s a tough window, it always is, but there wasn’t a lack of effort, wasn’t a lack of desire, wasn’t a lack of willingness.

“The problem is it is hard, it is very hard, and that’s going to be what it is as we go forward.”

On the forward direction and where he sees the club moving now over the next 6-12 months?

Alan said: “Look, let’s not even just go 6-12 months. This club’s been around for 144 years. It’s not going anywhere, okay?

“It’s going to have good days, bad days, tough days, great days. We’ve seen that over the last five years that we’ve been involved.

“I had people coming up and congratulating us on the street for making up for the 90s in Blackburn. I mean, there’s just crazy stuff that happens. I don’t get credit for it, but I certainly get all the blame for it, and that’s absolutely okay.

“There will be great days ahead, I have no doubt. You have kids? Yes, okay. You ever have a three-year-old throw a temper tantrum in the middle of a public event?

“Okay, well, at the end of it, you get embarrassed and you say: ‘I’m sorry’, but it doesn’t stop you from being a good parent and you hope that they grow up and that when they do grow up, they’re going to be contributors to society in the way that I’m sure your kids have and my kids have.“The reality is, we’re going to keep going and we’re going to try and be the best parents that we can possibly be for this family.”

Burnley boss Scott Parker got critical of the Turf Moor atmosphere following the defeat, per Sky Sports:

“We looked edgy, and goals contribute to that. I thought the general atmosphere, as well, probably contributed to that a little bit.

“We gave ourselves a real big mountain to climb at 2-0. I thought the second half, at times, we showed a real endeavour. Didn’t manage to put one in the net. We probably could have cranked on a little bit more, but disappointing day overall.

“There’s no denying today that the stadium was edgy, and we sensed that. I think after the first goal went in, it was, there was clear frustration and there were clear chants towards the players and me personally.

“It’s a difficult moment. We have to deal with the things that we can control, really. And today was difficult. Of course, it was certainly in the environment we were in, and certainly the team that worked, where we are currently under absolute, huge, huge pressure. But yeah, it’s not helpful.

“Of course, it isn’t. I have a slight understanding of it, but do not fully understand it. You asked me the question, how do we change it? The only way we can change it is by winning. And sometimes there’s, there’s a big challenge in front of you that sometimes that proves a little bit more difficult, and at this present moment time that’s proving the case.”

Jordan Rushworth (@rushy_sport): “What a horrific week for our club. No transfers on Monday followed by a shambolic defeat at Sunderland. Then again losing pathetically today. Followed by our manager digging out valid fan frustration and our owner calling fans toddlers. Only way is up I guess 😂 #twitterclarets”

A statement from Burnley FC Independent Supporters Association:

The Burnley FC Independent Supporters Association was disappointed to hear supporters characterised as comparable to a child “throwing a temper tantrum” in recent comments by chairman. Alan Pace, during a BBC broadcast on 7th February 2026.

Burnley supporters are the lifeblood of the club and have a long and well-established reputation for loyalty, resilience and commitment to their club across generations. Through promotions, relegations. financial uncertainty and success, fans have consistently supported the team, the town and the institution of Burnley Football Club with pride and dignity.

Supporters expressing concern, frustration or hope during difficult periods is a normal and healthy part of football. The relationship between a club and its supporters is strongest when it is grounded in mutual respect and understanding. particularly during challenging moments on the pitch. We recognise the pressures that come with leadership in modern football. However, describing supporters in this way risks undermining the constructive relationship that exists between the club and its fanbase.

We hope this was an unfortunate choice of words made in the moment, and we would welcome a brief clarification so that focus can return to supporting the team together. Burnley Football Club is at its strongest when supporters, players and ownership are united. Burnley FC Independent Supporters Association

Here’s how fans reacted after the Burnley owner compares fans, who are unhappy with 16 game winless run, to a ‘3 year old’s tantrum’…

@francescalynn23: Hey to all my fellow 3 year old temper tantrum throwing #twitterclarets. Don’t worry about spending your hard earned money on an absolute shit show, have some sweeties and know your place!

@roschjpatrick: I’ve listened to the comments from our chairman. I’m sorry, but I have a right to voice my concerns. And I’m not 3 years old. I’m an American ST Holder who spends thousands to get here each match and expects more. Thousands. Not my chairman talking down to me #twitterclarets

@elihey_: Can’t believe the shit Brunn-Larsen got yesterday, board and Parker deserve shit but all he was trying to do was shield his teammates from abuse. He’s one of the players who cares, brain dead to boo him onto the pitch too #twitterclarets

@neiloten: We need a mass clear out from top to bottom. Can’t continue like this it’s horrific and it’s only going to get worse. ALK can go. Parker should have gone months ago. Some of these players should be no where near the prem. it’s a sorry state of affairs #twitterclarets

@big_mikky: This is an absolute disaster class from @AlanPaceBFC. Comparing loyal and paying fans to tantrum throwing 3 year old is a crazy self-inflicted wound. They really have no idea about football. Been a season ticket holder for a long time, but if Parker remains in charge when the renewals come around, I am going to have to think very hard. A price increase would probably be the nail in the coffin.

@DevotedToDoris: Same shit week in, week out. Get Parker, Pace and ALK out of our club!! #twitterclarets

@LeeCologne: Cannot remember seeing and hearing Turf Moor that toxic! Its heartbreaking to see 🥹 #utc #twitterclarets

@Billy25gh: If he’s happy to talk about burnley fans like this on the BBC, I dread to think how he talks about us to the rest of the heated seat brigade in the chairman’s lounge after a game like today. Bet he fucking hates us deep down. #twitterclarets

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