Premier league team Burnley will give lifetime bans to supporters behind a “White Lives Matter” stunt before a match.
A light-plane flew over the Etihad stadium in Manchester trailing the banner.
The club’s name was printed behind the “White Lives Matter” slogan.
The players had just taken the knee in support of the “Black Lives Matter” campaign when the banner appeared above the Manchester City ground.
It’s thought both Burnley and City heard rumours of the stunt before kick-off.
But nothing could be done to stop the fly-past.
Ben Mee
Burnley captain Ben Mee said:
“I’m ashamed and embarrassed that a small number of our fans have decided to put that around the stadium.
“It’s not what we are about at all.
“It’s missed to whole point of what we’re trying to achieve, and these people need to come into the 21st century and educate themselves as a lot of us do.
“It doesn’t represent what we’re about, what the club is about, what the players are about and what the majority of the fans are about.
“It’s a small minority of people and I’m really upset that it happened.”
Burnley FC said in a statement:
“Burnley strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and offensive banner.
“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.
“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.”
Manchester City went on to win the game 5-0.
