White Lives Matter Banner Flown Over Football Match in UK Deemed Not a ‘Criminal Act’ by Police

A banner flown over a football match on Monday reading ‘White Lives Matter’ is under investigation by law enforcement after drawing controversy amid the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, which has been galvanised recently by the killing of George Floyd in the United States.

The flying of a banner reading “White Lives Matter Burnley” over Monday night’s Premier League game was not a criminal offence, UK police have said.

A senior officer acknowledged on Tuesday that the action “caused offence to many people in Lancashire and beyond” as the authorities have identified individuals connected with Burnley who were responsible.

After assessing all the information available, Lancashire police concluded “that there are no criminal offences that have been disclosed at this time”.

Lancashire Constabulary has been working closely with Greater Manchester Police, the Aviation Authority and the Crown Prosecution Service throughout the day following the event.

The incident took place above Etihad Stadium in Manchester during a Premier League between Manchester City and Burnley just after kick-off while the players were taking a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement currently sweeping across the world.

A Burnley supporter associated with the former English Defence League (EDL) leader Tommy Robinson has been identified as an organiser of the fly-over. He claimed responsibility online just before deleting his social media account.

​Another person with convictions for football-related violence has also been connected to a WhatsApp group where those involved were looking for funds to finance the fly-over.

Blackpool airports have banned flying banner ads following the controversy and the firm Air Ads is said to have carried out the event.

Sourse: sputniknews.com