Fire at Manchester City stadium before Champions League game against Brugge
A fire has broken out at a merchandise stand outside Manchester City’s stadium shortly before players were due to arrive for the Champions League match against Brugge.
Videos showed large flames and smoke coming from the kiosk, selling club merchandise, located near the players’ entrance at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
New City signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis were also due to make a public appearance nearby, but it was cancelled as a result.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the smell of smoke remained in the air for some time afterwards as supporters waited to be let inside.
“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire, they are currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe,” Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.
There were no reported injuries.
“The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first-team arrival,” City said in a statement.
Manchester City kept their Champions League campaign alive after overturning a half-time deficit against Club Brugge to snatch a place in the play-off round.
The 2023 winners had been in danger of missing out on the knockout stages for the first time since 2012-13 after falling behind to a Raphael Onyedika strike in their must-win clash at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
They hit back after the break through Mateo Kovavic before an own goal from Joel Ordonez and further strike from impressive substitute Savinho carried them to a 3-1 win.
