This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
On June 22, 2020, Manchester City's Premier League match against Burnley was marred by a disturbing incident at the start of the game.
A plane flew over the Etihad Stadium, pulling a banner that read 'White lives matter Burnley', as players and match officials had taken a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
The aircraft continued to circle the stadium after kick-off, sparking outrage and condemnation from the Burnley Football Club.
Burnley issued a statement at half-time, strongly condemning the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and the offensive banner.
The club made it clear that those responsible would not be welcome at Turf Moor and would work with the authorities to identify and take appropriate action against them.
Burnley also apologized unreservedly to the Premier League, Manchester City, and all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter.
The incident occurred in the context of the Premier League's Black Lives Matter initiative, which has seen players wear shirts bearing the slogan in support of the movement.
The gesture is a response to the death of George Floyd, a black American who was killed by police last month, sparking protests around the world.
