BURNLEY moved quickly to condemn a ‘White Lives Matter Burnley’ banner which flew over the Etihad last night.
The banner was visible during the 5-0 defeat by Manchester City, and the club released a strong statement at half-time.
The banner was flown from a plane during Burnley’s 5-0 loss at Man City
What have Burnley said?
The Clarets immediately released a statement, saying: “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 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.
A plane flew overhead at kick-off with a sign reading White Lives Matter BurnleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“We apologise unreservedly to the Premier League, to Manchester City and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter.”
Burnley captain Ben Mee added: “I’m ashamed and embarrassed that a small number of our fans have decided to put that around the stadium.
“They have completely missed the point and there’s a group of lads in there who are embarrassed to see that.
“I’m ashamed and upset it’s associated with our club – my club – and it’s not something we want to see at all in the game. We totally condemn it and are embarrassed by it.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
