Statement from Burnley.co.uk and Burnley Social: “We are aware of the incident yesterday evening involving the aeroplane banner flown over the Etihad Stadium whilst Burnley FC were playing Manchester City. We are disappointed that a small group of individuals have chosen to detract from the good work going on in the town during these difficult few months and would like to reiterate what Burnley FC said in their statement that this opinion is not what the town of Burnley, its businesses, bondholders and residents stand for.
“Burnley has historically and continues to welcome people from all walks of life who roll up their sleeves and get stuck in, humbly and with good humour. We are proud that there have been peaceful Black Lives Matter protests over the past couple of weeks, where the community and police worked peacefully together. We are proud that textiles students at Burnley College have been making vital PPE for frontlife staff. We are proud that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Burnley Together – a partnership including Burnley Borough Council, Burnley FC in the Community, The Calico Group and others – has provided thousands of food parcels, mental health support to young people and reached out to elderly people who feel lonely. We are proud that different faith organisations have successfully come together to support those in need.
“We hope that going forward, the hard work of people and businesses in the town makes the headlines, rather than the negative actions of a small minority who are not the voice of our town.”