Blackpool Airport suspends banner flights after Burnley fans' 'White Lives Matter' stunt

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Joe Krishnan23 June 2020

Blackpool Airport have suspended all banner towing from its airport after condemning the "offensive" message which that flew over Burnley's match against Manchester City.

The banner, which read 'White Lives Matter Burnley', flew over the Etihad Stadium during Man City's 5-0 win over Burnley on Monday night. Lancashire Police are investigating.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Blackpool Airport revealed that the banner was not approved by Blackpool Council and after a review of their policies, will no longer allow companies to display banners taking from their airport.

The statement added: "We stand against racism of any kind and absolutely do not condone the activity, the message was offensive and the action reprehensible.

"The decision to fly the banner was taken entirely by the banner flying company without the knowledge or approval of the airport or Blackpool Council. Due to the nature of the activity, banners are not checked before take-off and the content is at the operator's discretion.

"Following an emergency review this morning, Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner towing operations at the airport with immediate effect and we would suggest that other airports should also consider this approach in light of what has happened at Blackpool."

The incident has been widely condemned by figures in football, with Burnley vowing to work with police to identify the culprits, and captain Ben Mee said he was "ashamed and embarrassed" after observing the overhead message.

Lancashire Police chief superintendent Russ Procter says they are making enquiries "to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident".

He added: "We recognise that this banner will have caused offence to many people in Lancashire and beyond and we continue to liaise closely with our partners at both the club and in the local authority."

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