[Sport] Burnley 'strongly condemns' banner flown above Etihad Stadium before Man City game

[XZoro]

 

Burnley says it "strongly condemns" those behind a banner reading 'White Lives Matter Burnley' being towed by an aircraft over Etihad Stadium prior to Monday's match against Manchester City.

The aircraft circled over the stadium shortly after Burnley and City players and staff took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before kick-off in the Premier League game.

"Burnley strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and offensive banner," said a club statement.

"We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor.

"We apologise unreservedly to the Premier League, to Manchester City and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter."

Burnley added that the banner "in no way represents" what the club stands for and that they will "work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and take appropriate action".

Both Burnley and City were wearing shirts with the players' names replaced with 'Black Lives Matter'.

Since the Premier League resumed on 17 June after a 100-day hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, players and officials have been showing their support for the movement for racial equality following the death of George Floyd in the United States last month.

Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, died as a white police officer held a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His death sparked protests around the world.

City and England forward Raheem Sterling said it was a "massive step" that players took a knee in support of Black Lives Matter on the opening night of the top-flight's return.

"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," added Burnley.

"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."

Edited June 24, 2020 by Dr.Drako
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