Burnley Defender Condemns White Lives Matter Banner Flown During Their Manchester City Match

The recent Burnley and Manchester City match had a touch of controversy as a White Lives Matter banner was flown above the stadium. This didn’t sit well with the public as Burley defender Ben Mee condemned the act.

During this political and global landscape of systemic oppression, there has been a call for unity against racism. The events of the tragic murder of George Floyd have caused outrage for accountability and justice. Per Sky Sports by way of Goal.com, the White Lives Matter banner that appeared during their match appalled Mee.

"It was a tough night. We can talk about football but there is something I would like to speak about first and that is the plane and banner flying over the stadium," Mee said.

While it was a difficult loss for Burley as they fell to a 5-0 defeat against Manchester City, the bigger issue of concern was the controversial banner. During the time where people are fighting for what is right, there are still those who persist otherwise.

"I am ashamed and embarrassed that a small number of our fans have decided to fly that around the stadium. It is not what we are about. They have missed what we are trying to achieve,” Mee added.

As athletes have been using their figure and influence for a change in the world, the fight is long over with prejudice and inequality remain rampant across the world.

"It is not right. We totally condemn it. These people can learn and be taught what Black Lives Matter is trying to achieve,” Mee further said.

The 30-year-old emphasized that the goal is to have a better future where everyone is welcomed and treated right.

"The players have pulled together and this is what we want, what the majority of fans want - equality in society and in football, everything, be it race, religion, gender, LGBTQ community,” Mee shared.

In Mee’s professional career he’s made the most appearances with Burnley with a total of 319 matches. While his club currently sits at 11th in the Premier League standings, Mee sees to fight against the oppression that has been rampant across the world.