Security removed four people from Boston’s Fenway Park after a banner reading, “Racism is as American as Baseball” dropped over the outfield wall Wednesday night.
The sign – with large white letters on a black background – appeared in the fourth inning as the Red Sox hosted the Oakland Athletics.
The all-caps message prompted loud boos from the crowd that continued until guards removed the banner from the top of the legendary Green Monster. It was only up for a few minutes before umpires requested its removal, according to the Associated Press.
At Fenway. @lindseyadler pic.twitter.com/HeEnbPf3Zi
— America’s Next Top Jellicle Cat (@ohdottie) September 14, 2017
According to a Red Sox spokesman, one person in the group said while being escorted out that they had been inspired by Black Lives Matter.
One of them mentioned being inspired by Black Lives Matter. Read into that what you will about the banner's intended message.
— Tim Britton (@TimBritton) September 14, 2017
#BREAKING: Statement from @RedSox after "Racism is as American as Baseball" sign shown over #GreenMonster tonight. @nbcboston pic.twitter.com/hAKujGcxQe
— Eli Rosenberg NBC10 Boston (@EliNBCBoston) September 14, 2017