London (dpa) - Blackpool Airport has said it is "outraged" after one of its planes was hired to carry a "White Lives Matter Burnley" banner over the Etihad Stadium on Monday.

Shortly after kick-off in Manchester City's 5-0 win against Burnley, the banner, which was unchecked by the airport, was carried over as a statement against the Black Lives Matter movement.

For the first 12 Premier League games since the league's restart, players have replaced their names with Black Lives Matter on club shirts in support of the anti-racism campaign.

Black Lives Matter is a movement that has grown on a global scale since the death of American George Floyd in police custody.

In light of the offensive incident, Blackpool Airport will now suspend all flights commissioned to carry banners.

"We stand against racism of any kind and absolutely do not condone the activity," read a statement from the airport.

"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."

Burnley reacted quickly on Monday to say they were "ashamed and embarrassed" by the banner and will look to issue lifetime bans for the fans responsible.

The incident has also been reported to the Lancashire Police and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Chief superintendent Russ Procter added Lancashire Police are making enquiries "to establish the full circumstances" and will "make an assessment as to whether any criminal offences have taken place."

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