A SELF-confessed football fanatic who has followed his team for 32 years today appealed for a reprieve after being banned for life from Turf Moor.

But Burnley director Clive Holt has said there will be no change of heart for Burnley FC supporter Jim Pye.

Mr Pye, 39, is pleading with club officials to review the decision which he says has taken away an important part of his life.

The father-of-three from Oswald Street, Accrington, was among four men who received permanent red cards from Turf Moor as part of their "name them and shame them" policy.

He was found guilty of drunkenness after the crucial Burnley v Plymouth clash at the end of last season, which Burnley won to preserve their place in Division Two.

The other three were convicted of public order offences.

He said: "I am still in shock about the ban.

"I am not a soccer hooligan and feel I have been treated unfairly.

"I've been labelled a lout when really I just had one drink too many. It was one silly mistake in 32 years of loyal support." Mr Pye, a builder's labourer, plans to contact club bosses today in the hope they will meet up with him to discuss a compromise.

"I really hope there is some way I can appeal.

"I've been going to games since I was a boy and I've taken my own sons since they were five," he explained.

"We're all season ticket holders and have spent thousands of pounds on supporting them, buying kits and programmes.

"I'm nothing like these idiots who go to fight and don't think its right that I've been tarred with the same brush."

His wife Denise added: "For three days before the last game of the season, where all this started, Jim couldn't sleep or eat.

"He was worried sick Burnley would get relegated.

"He got a bit carried away with the drink on the day but was not causing a nuisance.

"He was just a bit unsteady on his feet.

"He has never been in trouble with the police in his life and is not a big drinker.

"I really don't know what he'll do if the club won't reverse the decision. He's going to be lost on Saturdays."

Burnley director Clive Holt said: "He has no right of appeal.

"He knew the rules and regulations and he should not have got drunk - end of story."

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