Blackpool airport suspends banner flights after 'White Lives Matter Burnley' controversy

Blackpool airport has announced it is suspending all banner-towing operations following the controversial and widely condemned 'White Lives Matter' incident prior to Burnley's clash with Manchester City.

A plane carrying the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley' was spotted after players from both teams took a knee at the Etihad Stadium immediately before the start of the match.

The gesture has been used as a show of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and a feature of top-flight matches since the league's return from the coronavirus suspension last week.

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Burnley acted quickly to release a statement condemning those responsible for the "offensive" banner, with manager Sean Dyche saying the sign was "completely unacceptable" and captain Ben Mee saying the players were left feeling "ashamed" and "embarrassed".