A PLANE carrying a banner with the slogan ‘white lives matter Burnley’ has been sighted flying over the Etihad this evening.
Thousands have taken to Twitter to voice their anger and disgust at the banner, branding those responsible for it as ‘stupid, foolish idiots’.
Plane has just flew over the Etihad, “White Lives Matter Burnley” wtf pic.twitter.com/BXzOxEbyCM
— Emmett (@TheEmmett_) June 22, 2020
All Premier League players and clubs have stood in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement since the restart of the season and now the club have spoken out to condemn the actions of those responsible for the aircraft.
A spokesman said: "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."
Read more: Burnley FC's full statement
The plane was spotted shortly after kick-off at the Manchester stadium, where City are taking on Burnley in their second premier league fixture since the season’s restart.
Thousands have now spoken out about the incident, including famous faces such as BBC Radio 1 DJ and Clarets fan Jordan North.
In a tweet he said: "It looks like some absolute low life has used @BurnleyOfficial's name to air their racist bigoted views. They don't represent me, our club, or our town. I'm absolutely sickened."
I’m not even going to repost / tweet the pic, but It looks like some absolute low life has used @BurnleyOfficial’s name to air their racist bigoted views. They don’t represent me, our club, or our town. I’m absolutely sickened.
— Jordan North (@jordannorth1) June 22, 2020
Many in the area have commented having spotted the plane carrying the slogan, with viewers watching at home hearing the sound of a plane flying overhead during the opening stages of the game.
Burnley are currently being beaten 5-0.
If this is real I have NEVER been more embarrassed to be a Burnley fan !!!
— David Ashley (@BFC84Ash) June 22, 2020
Absolutely disgraceful and I hope the club finds you and gives you a life ban!!! @BurnleyOfficial pic.twitter.com/pb4nggkUuw
#
We are aware of the incident that occurred tonight before the game! Ourselves and @BurnleyOfficial are aware of it and will be fully investigating!! Thank you for all the tweets and reports!! #UTC #twitterclarets
— Burnley FC Police (@BurnleyFCPolice) June 22, 2020
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