Protesters plan demo over Beyonce Super Bowl show

Campaigners angry at Beyonce's controversial Super Bowl performance are planning a high-profile protest in New York.

The former Destiny's Child star stunned viewers with her half-time gig at the sporting showpiece on Sunday (07Feb16) when she appeared to give a 'black power' salute while her backing dancers paraded around in leather outfits similar to the uniform of the Black Panthers.

She also referenced police brutality and recent police shootings in the song's video, and the performance has sparked debate on both sides of the Atlantic over whether such a politically-charged routine was suitable for a family sporting event.

Now campaigners, who accuse the singer of pulling a "race-baiting stunt" and giving "a slap in the face" to cops by supporting a "hate group", are planning to march on the headquarters of the National Football League (NFL) in New York next week (beg15Feb16) urging bosses not to allow "hate speech and racism" at the Super Bowl.

In a post on Eventbrite.com announcing the protest, the organisers write, "Join us as we demonstrate on the block of the NFL Headquarters building. Are you offended as an American that Beyonce pulled her race-baiting stunt at the Superbowl (sic)? Do you agree that it was a slap in the face to law enforcement? Do you agree that the Black Panthers was/is a hate group which should not be glorified? Come and let's stand together. Let's tell the NFL we don't want hate speech & racism at the Superbowl ever again!"

Beyonce fans have already moved to organise a counter demonstration - a group has been set up on Facebook.com calling on fans to turn up at the NFL's offices on the day of the protest dressed as Black Panther Party members.

The demonstration is due to take place on 16 February (16).