There`s an awful lot of angst this morning about the fact that a plane towing a message was flown over Manchester City`s Etihad stadium just as the players and officials were having a minute`s silence in memory of those lost to corona virus and taking the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The banner towed behind the plane read "WHITE LIVES MATTER BURNLEY." as Burnley were Manchester City`s opponents at last night`s Premier League fixture (which ended in a 5-0 drubbing for Burnley.)   

Burnley Football Club and their captain Ben Mee have been quick to issue statements and apologies at their dismay and anger that the aerial banner bearing  that message appeared over the Manchester stadium.   Here`s the full text of Burnley`s statement:-

"Burnley Football Club strongly condemns the actions of those responsible for the aircraft and offensive banner that flew over The Etihad Stadium on Monday evening.

We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor.

This, in no way, represents what Burnley Football Club stands for and we will work fully with the authorities to identify those responsible and issue lifetime bans.

The club has a proud record of working with all genders, religions and faiths through its award-winning Community scheme, and stands against racism of any kind.

We are fully behind the Premier League’s Black Lives Matter initiative and, in line with all other Premier League games undertaken since Project Restart, our players and football staff willingly took the knee at kick-off at Manchester City.

We apologise unreservedly to the Premier League, to Manchester City and to all those helping to promote Black Lives Matter."

All very right and proper I`m sure and for my part it will not go unnoticed by my more perceptive readers that I have not only declined to comment but also to ask one of a number of obvious questions that arise from this episode.......