DAN BURN was called “more than a player” for keeping a promise to deaf fans by celebrating a Newcastle goal with a British Sign Language message.
The Magpies responded to bringing in revolutionary hi-tech shirts for deaf supporters with Saturday’s 4-0 Premier League home thumping of Spurs.
And Toon skipper Burn thrilled supporters with what viewers called a “lovely gesture” and the “moment of the match”.
He broke off from his fellow players to turn to the stands, cross his arms and complete a BSL message of “Love the fans.”
Burn and full-back Kieran Trippier had met a group of deaf supporters at St James’ Park before the match – learning some BSL and pledging to make a sign during the game.
TNT Sports’ cameras captured one young girl in the crowd open-mouthed and smiling with joy at the central defender’s action.
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She then repeated the crossed-arms sign to another kid.
Fans posted their appreciation at Burn’s gesture.
He was labelled “Captain fantastic” and “Dan Burn Hero” while a third viewer simply posted: “Wow amazing.”
Other verdicts on social media included: “One of the best things you’ll see all day.”
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It follows Newcastle’s front-of-shirt sponsor Sela bringing in special tops for deaf supporters to wear.
The “haptic” shirts react to movement that is generated electronically or mechanically – promising “real-time touch sensation”.
And when Burn’s gesture lit up faces and TV screens, one observer wrote: “Mega gesture, mega camerawork.”
“Wow, this is indeed lovely,” said another.
And Jamie Clarke, who is a model as well as a footballer, posted: “As England deaf football team captain, we LOVE this!!”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
