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Rob dawsonCorrespondent
Police abandoned their investigation into the “White Lives Matter Burnley” banner that was placed over the Etihad Stadium on Monday night after finding “no crime.”
Lancashire police announced their intention to investigate the incident, which overshadowed Manchester City’s 5-0 victory over Burnley, but will not press charges at this time.
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Chief Supt Russ Procter said: “The Lancashire police have been in contact with the Greater Manchester Police, Aviation Authority and the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the ‘White Lives Matter’ banner that was placed on the Etihad Stadium.
“After evaluating all available information about this incident, we have concluded that no criminal offenses have been disclosed at this time. We will continue to work with our partners at the soccer club and within local authorities.”
Burnley condemned the incident Monday, which was scheduled just as both teams had finished kneeling in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
After the game, Burnley captain Ben Mee said he was “embarrassed and embarrassed” by the action.
Sources told ESPN that part of City staff were aware of the possibility of the overflight after a test was conducted the day before.
Mee said the Burnley players were aware shortly before leaving the tunnel and that the incident had affected the team’s performance.
“We literally heard when we went out. We heard some whispers that it was going to happen,” Mee said.
“The club tried to stop it, but I heard it’s a small number of people who have fixed this. I hope it won’t happen again.”
“I’m embarrassed and upset because he’s associated with the club, my club, and it’s not something we want to see in this game.”
Burnley was quick to issue a statement after the plane, which took off from an airport near Blackpool, was discovered. The club promised to ban any supporter who is held responsible.
“The Burnley Football Club strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the plane and the offensive banner that flew over the Etihad Stadium on Monday night,” said a statement posted on the club’s website at halftime.
“We want to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor. This in no way represents what Burnley Football Club represents and we will work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and issue lifetime bans.”
“The club has a proud history of working with all genders, religions, and religions through its award-winning community scheme, and opposes racism of any kind.
“We are totally behind the Premier League’s Black Lives Matter initiative and, in line with all the other Premier League games carried out since the project restart, our soccer players and staff willingly knelt at the launch in Manchester City “.
“We apologize without reservation to the Premier League, Manchester City and all those who help promote Black Lives Matter.”
Blackpool airport has said it has banned flights from its base following Monday’s incident.
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