Premier League club Burnley has condemned a plane towing a banner declaring “White Lives Matter Burnley”.
It flew over Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium before Monday’s match between the two clubs.
“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.”
The club issued a statement on their website at half-time.
“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 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 apologise unreservedly to the Premier League, to Manchester City and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter.”
Aerial Offense
The plane appeared shortly after players from both teams took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
There was no indication of who organized the plane and banner. It is eerily similar to an incident that occurred at Talladega Superspeedway over the weekend.
A plane towing a Confederate flag and #DEFUNDNASCAR was seen flying over the stadium on Sunday. It was in response to Bubba Wallace having a noose left in is garage station.
Wallace helped NASCAR ban Confederate flags at events.
Burnley defender Ben Mee told reporters that players had heard rumblings that a display would be made minutes before kickoff.
“We literally heard as we were coming out. We heard some whispers it was going to happen. The club tried to stop it, but I’ve heard it’s a small number of people who’ve arranged this. Hope it doesn’t happen again,” Mee said.
“I’m ashamed and upset it’s associated with the club and it’s not something we want to see in this game.”
Burnley manager Sean Dyche said that he knew nothing of the banner.
“I didn’t realise what had gone on at the beginning. Heard noise. Unacceptable. We can only apologise,” Dyche said after the match. “I don’t know what the club can do to send a message out. The powers that be will look at the way we can play our part.”
International Outrage
All players in the 12 Premier League games have worn “Black Lives Matter” on their shirts.
It is in response to the May 25th murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin.
Floyd’s death has spurred demonstrations against racial injustice around the world as well as in sport.
