Police investigating ‘White Lives Matter’ banner flown over Burnley vs Man City game

'We recognise this banner will have caused offence to many people,' chief superintendent says

A police investigation has been launched after banner reading “White Lives Matter“ flew over a Manchester football stadium during a Premier League match.

The plane was spotted overhead shortly after footballers and officials took a knee in a show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

“White Lives Matter Burnley” trailed behind the aircraft which appeared over the Etihad Stadium on Monday night just after the match between Manchester City and Burnley kicked off.

Police have said they are investigating the incident.

“We are making inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and we will then be in a position to make an assessment as to whether any criminal offences have taken place,” Chief Superintendent Russ Procter of Lancashire Police said.

“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.”

Air Ads, the firm believed to have been hired to fly the banner, is based in a hangar at Blackpool Airport – who said on Tuesday they would be suspending all banner flights from their site.

“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," Stephen Smith, the manager of the airport – which is run by the council - said.

“Due to the nature of the activity, banners are not checked before take-off and the content is at the operator’s discretion."

He said the incident was reported to police on Monday evening and the airport are investigating the banner operator involved.

“Following an emergency review this morning, Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner-towing operations at the airport with immediate effect," Mr Smith said, adding: "We would suggest that other airports should also consider this approach in light of what has happened at Blackpool.”

A man at the hanger, an ex-pilot who did not want to be named and claimed to know the Air Ads pilot, said the firm had been run by Alan Elliott, who died a few weeks ago.

He claimed Mr Elliott’s family had taken a back seat and a pilot was hired when they had orders to fly banners.

He said banners are made to order, with flight costs of around £700, and the pilot would be paid around £100 per flight.

He added: “We would assume whoever paid for the banner would get done for it.”

The captain of Burnley FC said he was ashamed and embarrassed" at the banner after the match.

A message reading 'White Lives Matter Burnley' is flown over the Etihad Stadium (Getty)

“These people need to come into the 21st century and educate themselves, as a lot of us do," Ben Mee said.

His club issued a strong statement condemning the banner during half-time and said the perpetrators would be banned for life if identified.

“We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor," Burnley said.

There was no response from calls made to Air Ads by the PA news agency.

Additional reporting by Press Association