Blackpool Airport suspends banner flights

June 23, 2020

Blackpool Airport has suspended banner flights from its base after the message ‘White Lives Matter Burnley‘ was towed by an airplane over Etihad Stadium.

Burnley say they are “ashamed and embarrassed” by the banner.

Blackpool Airport says the incident was reported to the police and the Civil Aviation Authority.

The statement added: “We stand against racism of any kind and absolutely do not condone the activity, the message was offensive and the action reprehensible. 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.

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

“Following an emergency review this morning, Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner towing operations at the airport with immediate effect and we would suggest that other airports should also consider this approach in light of what has happened at Blackpool.”

Burnley and City players and staff had taken a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement moments before the aircraft circled over the stadium.

Fans like that don’t deserve to be around football,” Clarets skipper Ben Mee told BBC Radio 5 Live.

We’re ashamed, we’re embarrassed. It’s a minority of our supporters – I know I speak for a massive part of our support who distance ourselves from anything like that.”

In a statement, Burnley said that the banner “in no way represents” what the club stands for and that they will “work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and take appropriate action”.