BURNLEY proudly displayed their fans’ Black Lives Matter messages after one sick fan flew a “White Lives Matter” banner over the Etihad.
Earlier this week, Clarets supporter Jake Hepple arranged for the message to be flown over the stadium before his side’s game at Manchester City – with players taking a knee.
Burnley displayed Black Lives Matter banners from fans after Monday night’s shocking incident
Fans sent in their messages to be displayed on the big screen ahead of their clash with Watford
A ‘White Lives Matter’ banner was flown over the Etihad by a Burnley fan on MondayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Players took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before kick-off
Police say no “criminal offences” were committed, but Burnley players and officials spoke out at their horror over the insensitive banner.
Hepple, 24, has been sacked from his job at engineering firm Paradigm Precision after showing no remorse for his actions.
And now, Burnley have displayed a host of “Black Lives Matter” banners from their fans on a big screen at Turf Moor ahead of their game with Watford.
The club have stood firm ever since the shocking stunt on Monday night.
Ben Mee first slammed the banner, before boss Sean Dyche confirmed the entire Burnley squad were appalled at the stunt, with the defender sent out to address the media.
DISGRUNTLED & UPSET
Dyche said: “All of our players wanted to be involved in that message, but we decided to do it through Ben.
“My players were disgruntled and upset and they wanted to let that be known.
“It was my decision to let the captain speak, but there were any number of players who felt very passionately about it.
“This club does a lot of work in the community and in local education projects.
“We don’t want all our efforts undermined by a few people with an unacceptable message.”
Burnley have been quick to condemn the stunt and show their support for the BLM movement
The banners were shown on a big screen at Turf Moor before kick off
Hepple, who has previously been pictured with English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, claimed he was involved in the stunt shortly after the 8pm kick-off – and showed zero remorse.
Writing on Facebook, the Lancashire local said: “I’d like to take this time to apologise .. to absolutely f***ing nobody!”
GoFundMe have now AXED two campaigns to raise cash for Hepple and his partner after they “violated the terms of service”.
Burnley’s Ben Mee responds to an offensive banner flown over the Etihad Stadium
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
