Burnley have issued an official apology after a banner bearing the slogan “White Lives Matter” was flown over the Etihad during their 5-0 defeat to Manchester City on Monday evening.
Across the Premier League, players have been taking a knee before kick off in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.
The gesture comes in response to the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis in May after a police officer knelt on his neck for an extended period.
Floyd’s death sparked protests against racial inequality and police brutality worldwide, with demonstrations in cities across Britain over the last month.
Meanwhile, the counter-slogans ‘All Lives Matter’ and ‘White Lives Matter’ have featured heavily in bad-faith internet discourse.
Fairplay. Here’s a message to the “all lives matter” brigade… pic.twitter.com/XSrVOd8xaz
— Mohad (@mohamedamiin2) June 22, 2020
The banner which appeared over the Etihad was towed behind a plane just after kick off, bearing the wording: “White Lives Matter Burnley”.
Burnley swiftly issued a statement which read: “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.
“We apologise unreservedly to the Premier League, to Manchester City and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter.”
Well said, Burnley. pic.twitter.com/wYwSC1a5uo
— Robin Johnston (@RobinJohnston24) June 22, 2020
In response to the club’s statement, Burnley Police confirmed that they are helping the club to investigate the incident.
We are aware of this issue and will be working hard with the club to investigate it fully! Thank you for all reporting!
— Burnley FC Police (@BurnleyFCPolice) June 22, 2020
Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling has been a vocal anti-racism campaigner in recent years. He tweeted “#TimeForChange” after the match.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the game, Burnley captain Ben Mee said: “We’re ashamed, we’re embarrassed.
“It’s a minority of our supporters. I know I speak for a massive part of our support who distance ourselves from anything like that.
“It definitely had a massive impact on us to see that in the sky. We are embarrassed that our name was on it, that they tried to attach it to our club. It doesn’t belong anywhere near our club.”
More on the Premier League
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- A warning for fans: Games could be moved to neutral venues if crowds gather
- From world-beater at Liverpool to a failure at Barça, Newcastle may be Coutinho’s only hope
- Exclusive: Heskey talks Sterling, racism and doing an internship at 42
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3emuGGG
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