White Lives Matter Banner Flown Over the Etihad Stadium Draws Strong Criticism

During the Monday night football match between Burnley and Manchester City, a banner reading “White Lives Matter Burnley” flew over the stadium. 

As a result of the incident, the club has released a statement condemning the offensive banner.

“Burnley Football Club strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and offensive banner that flew over the Etihad Stadium on Monday evening. We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor. This, in no way, represents what Burnley Football Club stands for and we will work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and issue lifetime bans, “ the club said in a statement.

Burnley further added, “The club has a proud record of working with all genders, religions, and faiths through its award-winning Community scheme, and stands against racism of any kind. We are fully behind the Premier League's Black Lives Matter initiative and, in line with all other Premier League games undertaken since Project Restart, our players and football staff willingly took the knee at kick-off at Manchester City.”

"We apologize unreservedly to the Premier League, to Manchester City, and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter."

Sean Dyche, the Burnley manager, also apologized for the incident and called it “unacceptable”.

The Burnley team captain, Ben Mee, said he felt ashamed that a small group of Burnley fans decided to fly the offensive banner and added that “the lads are embarrassed to see that”.

It is not yet clear who made the offensive banner or flew the plane over the Etihad Stadium.
Since the Premier League resumed last week, all clubs have made it clear that they support the Black Lives Matter movement. Players have replaced their names with “Black Lives Matter” on their jerseys and they take a knee before the start of every match.