2/20/2016 12:50 AM PST BY TMZ STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

Beyonce must come forward and tell the world her Super Bowl performance was NOT an attack on cops … that’s what the rank and file in the NYPD want, and want badly.

Our NYPD sources admit they don’t believe Beyonce was advocating hostility toward police in her homage to the Black Panthers. Problem is … they say that’s the way it came across for millions of viewers.

We’re told cops are bitter and want her to publicly disavow violence or any other type of aggression toward police. While she’s at it, they’d also like an explanation as to what she really meant.

All that said, our sources were quick to add they will fully protect Beyonce when she’s in NYC.