Man City crush 'embarrassed' Burnley to keep Liverpool waiting

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom - Manchester City thrashed Burnley 5-0 at an empty Etihad to ensure Liverpool will not be able to clinch the Premier League title when they face Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

However, the match was overshadowed by a banner flown over the stadium at the start of the match reading: "White lives matter Burnley".

Black Lives Matter (BLM) has been printed on the back of all shirts for the first 12 matches of the Premier League restart.

Players, coaches and referees have also taken a knee before kick-off in every match to show their support for the fight against racial injustice.

"I am ashamed, I'm embarrassed, that a small number of our fans have decided to put that around the stadium," said Burnley captain Ben Mee.

"These people need to come into the 21st century and educate themselves as a lot of us do. I'm really upset that happened."

In a statement, Burnley promised to hand lifetime bans to those responsible.

"We wish to make it clear that those responsible are not welcome at Turf Moor," said the club.

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

Former City defender Micah Richards described the banner as hurtful and disheartening after the Premier League's response to the BLM movement in the wake of American George Floyd's death in police custody that has sparked worldwide protests.

"After how far we've come in these last couple of weeks it really does hurt me," said former England international Richards.

AFP