A fire incident occurred at a merchandise stand outside Manchester City's stadium just before the Champions League match against Brugge on Wednesday. The stand, selling club merchandise, caught fire near the players' entrance at the Etihad Stadium. Videos circulating online showed significant flames and smoke emanating from the stand.
The fire disrupted the public appearance of new City signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis, which was scheduled nearby. Firefighters promptly responded to the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze. Despite their efforts, the smell of smoke lingered in the air as supporters awaited entry into the stadium.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the fire, and security personnel cordoned off the affected area to ensure the safety of all attendees. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Manchester City took precautionary measures by canceling all events planned for the West Stand reception, including the welcome event for new players and the first team arrival.
Despite the incident, UEFA confirmed that the scheduled 8 p.m. kickoff between City and Brugge would proceed as planned. The match holds significant importance for City, currently ranked 25th in the standings, as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs for the round of 16 in the Champions League.
As the 2023 champions, Manchester City faces a crucial match against Brugge in their quest to advance in the competition. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service swiftly responded to the fire, ensuring the safety of all individuals present at the stadium.
