Burnley promise life bans for offensive banner stunt

Burnley have issued a strongly-worded statement, promising lifebans for those responsible for flying an aircraft with an offensive message during their game at Manchester City.
The offensive bannerThe offensive banner
The offensive banner

Just moments after both sets of players took a knee in solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement, a plane flew over the Etihad Stadium with the banner 'White Lives Matter Burnley'.

At half-time, the club reacted, saying: "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.

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"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."