{"id":554966,"date":"2020-06-23T06:10:26","date_gmt":"2020-06-23T10:10:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=554966"},"modified":"2021-12-29T19:28:13","modified_gmt":"2021-12-30T00:28:13","slug":"ben-mee-ashamed-by-banner-flown-over-etihad-during-burnleys-match-against-manchester-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/06\/23\/ben-mee-ashamed-by-banner-flown-over-etihad-during-burnleys-match-against-manchester-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Ben Mee ‘Ashamed’ By Banner Flown Over Etihad During Burnley’s Match Against Manchester City"},"content":{"rendered":"

Burnley<\/a> captain Ben Mee says he was “ashamed” to see a ‘white lives matter’ banner flown over the Etihad Stadium last night. The incident occurred at the start of Burnley’s 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City<\/a>, shortly after the players had taken a knee in support of Black Lives Matter.<\/p>\n

Ben Mee ‘Ashamed’ By White Lives Matter Banner<\/h2>\n

What Happened?<\/h3>\n

Shortly after kick-off, a plane began circling the Etihad for several minutes with the words ‘White Liver Matter Burnley’ written on the banner trailing behind it.<\/p>\n

A Lancashire-based man, believed to be the one who organised it, filmed the incident on a Facebook live-stream from outside the stadium.<\/p>\n

Players could be seen shaking their heads in disgust as it came moments after they had taken a knee in support of Black Lives Matter – something that has happened at every match since the season restarted.<\/p>\n

Premier League players have also been displaying Black Lives Matter on the back of their shirts in place of their own names.<\/p>\n

Mee’s Emotional Interview<\/h3>\n

In his post-match interview with Sky Sports, captain Ben Mee was initially asked a question about the game but brought the incident up himself.<\/p>\n

He said<\/a>: “We have a group of lads in there who are embarrassed.<\/p>\n

“These people need to come into the 21st century and educate themselves. They completely missed the point and don’t represent what we’re about. It’s a small minority of people.<\/p>\n

“A small number have arranged this and I hope it doesn’t happen again. I’m ashamed and upset it’s associated with my club.<\/p>\n

“Hopefully these people can be taught on what the Black Lives Matter is trying to achieve. We want equality in society, in football, everything.”<\/p>\n

Burnley Swift in Response<\/h3>\n

The club, quite rightly, were quick to distance themselves from the banner, and released a statement shortly before half-time.<\/p>\n

It read: “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.<\/p>\n

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“We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

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Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>