Moments after Manchester City and Burnley players took a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement on Monday, a vile incident occurred above their heads.
A plane flew above the Etihad Stadium carrying a banner that read “White Lives Matter Burnley.”
The Premier League told NBC’s Rebecca Lowe that it’s now a police matter and investigation.
Black Lives Matter support has been a huge part of the Premier League’s Project Restart, as players have knelt in solidarity with the movement after the opening whistles across a dozen PL matches.
Burnley quickly reacted with a statement condemning the disgusting gesture: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.
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.