'White lives matter' plane banner not a criminal offence say Lancashire Police

Lancashire Police have confirmed that the flying of an aeroplane banner over the Etihad Stadium has not been classed as a criminal offence.
By Dominic Collis
Published 24th Jun 2020, 12:30 BST
Police have responded to the incidentPolice have responded to the incident
Police have responded to the incident

The banner reading "white lives matter Burnley" was flown over Manchester City's home ground during the club's recent Premier League match against Burnley Football Club, as players were giving the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The stunt has been condemned by various groups and individuals across the country, including the Clarets own skipper Ben Mee and the football club which issued an apology and reiterated its full support to the BLM movement.

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Chief Supt Russ Procter, of Lancashire Police, said: "Today Lancashire Constabulary has been in liaison with Greater Manchester Police, the Aviation Authority and the Crown Prosecution Service regards the 'White Lives Matter' banner that was flown over the Etihad Stadium last night.

"After assessing all the information available surrounding this incident we have concluded that there are no criminal offences that have been disclosed at this time. We will continue to work with our partners at the football club and within the local authority."

Meanwhile, the Clarets Trust supporters group backed the club in its condemnation of the stunt after issuing the following statement following the incident.

"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.

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"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."

A spokesman for the Clarets Trust said: "The Trust totally reject the sentiments in the banner flown over the Manchester City ground."