A train boss has apologized after a black man was handcuffed for eating a sandwich on a station platform. 

And 'eat-in' protests are being scheduled for next weekend to show support for the man after he was detained.  

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) general manager Robert Powers issued an apology yesterday after video footage of the arrest went viral. 

Mr Powers told Buzzfeed: 'Enforcement of infractions, such as eating and drinking inside our paid area, should not be used to prevent us from delivering on our mission to provide safe, reliable, and clean transportation.

'I apologize to Mr. Foster, our riders, employees, and the public who have had an emotional reaction to the video.' 

One Facebook event encouraging a 'McMuffin eat-in' is titled: 'Eat a McMuffin on BART: They Can't Stop Us All.'