English Premier LeagueBurnley “ashamed and embarrassed” by banner flown above Etihad Stadium
Post image

A banner reading, “White Lives Matter Burnley” was towed by an Aeroplane over Etihad Stadium during a match against Man City “ashamed and embarrassed” Burnley.

Burnley300x164

The 5-0 Premier League defeat at Etihad became an issue of no concern after focus was shifted to the words trailed from the aeroplane. The banner read, “White Lives Matter Burnley”.

The stunt was carried out by Air Ads which operates out of Blackpool Airport, makes and flies banners. The Blackpool Airport has flown banners over football stadiums in the past including one that read “Moyes Out” at Old Trafford.

Captain Ben Mee said he was “ashamed and embarrassed” as the club’s chief executive said he was “disgusted” by the banner and the people who carried out the act.

A statement from Burnley read, “Burnley strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and offensive banner. We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor. We apologize unreservedly to the Premier League, to Manchester City, and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter.”

A statement from Lancashire Police stated no criminal offenses have been disclosed at this time as they continue with their inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The plane returned to Blackpool airport that said they will stop operating banner flights with immediate effect.

It is not yet known who fly the place or who commissioned the banner despite social media posts claiming responsibility for the incident.