A blaze erupted outside Manchester City’s Etihad stadium after a merchandise stand caught fire just hours before Wednesday evening’s crucial Champions League tie against Club Brugge.
The fire broke out shortly before 18h00 GMT near the area where Pep Guardiola’s side had been due to enter the stadium around 30 minutes later.
Fire outside Etihad stadium ahead of @ManCity game tonight
Police clearing the area packed with supporters pic.twitter.com/GgQZzC077K— Daniel McConnell (@McConnellDaniel) January 29, 2025
Hundreds of fans had gathered outside the Etihad for a pre-match entertainment show which included on-stage interviews with City’s new signings Omar marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.
The show had already begun with City’s female players Rebecca Knaak and Aemu Oyama on stage at the time of the fire.
The event was suspended as flames took hold of the stand and stewards moved fans away from fire services arrived on the scene.
Stewards and security staff quickly evacuated the area and a fire engine was on the scene within minutes.
Emergency services are now on scene at the Etihad Stadium to tackle a fire that broke out at a merchandise stand.
🎥@Chris_Chambo_ pic.twitter.com/v65Nwvgg21
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) January 29, 2025
The fire soon appeared to be brought under control and it was announced that the stadium was open and fans could enter.
The remainder of the pre-match show was cancelled, but the match was due to go ahead as scheduled at 22h00 (local time).
Premier League champions City must beat Brugge in their last match of the opening phase to advance to the Champions League play-off round.
©Agence France-Presse