Burnley have released a statement after a plane banner carrying the message ‘White Lives Matter Burnley’ was flown over the Etihad Stadium at the start of Monday night’s Premier League clash against Manchester City.Moments after the two sets of players, wearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the back of their shirts, took a knee, the plane flew over City’s home stadium.Needless to say, the message has been condemned by the vast majority - and Burnley released the following statement at half-time.“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,” the statement reads.“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.

“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.”

Burnley have been widely praised for reacting so quickly to the incident, and for promising to take firm action against those responsible.

On the pitch, Man City were 3-0 up at half-time - but this is a match which, sadly, will be overshadowed by the plane banner.