'White Lives Matter Burnley' banner flown over Etihad Stadium during Man City's clash against Burnley

A small plane with a 'White Lives Matter Burnley' banner flew over the Etihad Stadium on Monday (local time) during the Manchester City's clash against Burnley in the Premier League.

Immediately after the match had started between both the sides, a plane was spotted flying overhead carrying a banner that read "White Lives Matter Burnley", Goal.com reported.

This incident took place just moments after the players on the pitch finished kneeling to show support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. So far, there has been no confirmation as to who paid for the banner.

Since the return of the Premier League, all clubs have been taking a knee right before kick-off to showcase their support with the 'Black Lives Matter' movement and have also replaced their names with the message 'Black Lives Matter' on their jerseys.

Burnley, after the banner of 'White Lives Matter' flew over, condemned the act by claiming that this not what the club is all about.

"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," Burnley FC said in an official statement.

"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," the statement added.

The 'Black Lives Matter' movement has gained momentum after an African-American man named George Floyd passed away after a viral video indicated that a police officer identified as Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on the neck of Floyd.

In the match between Manchester City and Burnley, the former ended up winning the match 5-0.

(with ANI inputs)