English soccer team Burnley condemns ‘White Lives Matter’ banner

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English Premier League team Burnley said it would ban the people who were behind a banner that was displayed behind an airplane during a game.

The “White Lives Matter Burnley” banner was visible over Etihad Stadium at Manchester City. The plane could be heard on TV for the opening 30 minutes of the match, and the Premier League told NBC Sports that it was investigating.

“White Lives Matter” is a common racist response to the Black Lives Matter movement, which has been protesting police brutality and racial injustice.

As the English Premier League returned last week, every team had donned the words “Black Lives Matter” on the back of their jerseys in the place of player names.

At halftime, Burnley released the following statement:

“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.”

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