Jamie Vardy couldn’t make his Burnley debut against Wrexham because of a little-known rule.
Jamie Vardy wasn’t able to make his Burnley debut right away because of a little-known rule. His surprise move to Burnley was announced on Sunday, marking his return to English football after a year in Italy with Cremonese.
The Leicester City legend has signed a one-year deal with Burnley, whose fans had once teased him about a situation involving his wife and Coleen Rooney years ago. Vardy joined just a day after Burnley lost 2-1 to Bristol City, so many thought he’d play in the game against Wrexham on Tuesday.
Although the 39-year-old was at the Racecourse Ground, he didn’t make the matchday squad because he was suspended. This wasn’t due to his past time in England, but because he picked up five yellow cards in Serie A while playing for Cremonese.
Because the suspension carries over, Vardy had to watch the Wrexham game from the stands. But don’t worry—it won’t keep him out for long. He’ll be ready to play on Saturday when Burnley faces Swansea away.
When signing, Vardy said he’s “really happy” to join Burnley and called it a club with a “proper footballing history and passionate fans who deserve a team representing them and their town.”
In Italy, Vardy scored seven goals in 29 games but couldn’t help Cremonese avoid relegation. He got his last yellow card on the final day of the season in May, when Cremonese lost 4-1 to Cesc Fabregas’s Como, who made their first Champions League appearance.
Meanwhile, Burnley went ahead 1-0 at Wrexham thanks to Zeki Amdouni, in what could be a big win for manager Nicky Hayen’s team. Burnley has yet to win a Championship game this season and sits at the bottom of the table after their latest loss.
Fans are hoping Vardy’s return—he scored 18 goals during his last time in the English second division—will help lift the club’s spirits and results. He was seen wearing his Burnley tracksuit on Tuesday and even walked onto the pitch with Ashley Barnes.
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson shared his thoughts on Sky Sports, saying, “I think it’s a good signing. He’s always looked after himself, he’s lively, and he scores goals. This could really kickstart Burnley. It’s a great signing and he will score goals.”