Fire breaks out outside Etihad Stadium ahead of Man City’s Champions League crunch clash
A fire outside the Etihad Stadium threatened to derail Manchester City’s preparations ahead of their final Champions League clash. The Citizens squeezed into the knockout play-off round of the Champions League as they sealed a 3-1 win over their Belgian opponents. X / JamAntonioTVA fire broke out outside the Etihad which saw emergency services arrive quickly on the scene[/caption] The inferno broke outside at a merchandise store in the West StandGetty Ahead of the match, emergency services had to be called to contain a fire that had broken out. A fire started in a merchandise stand outside their stadium – leading to panic. In footage that has gone viral on social media, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue could be seen quickly arriving on the scene to tackle the blaze. There are no reports of any casualties or injuries, and the start of the match went ahead as scheduled. City had been looking to formally introduce their January signings in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis to the many fans waiting outside the Etihad. Though the unveiling ultimately had to be scrapped. The area had to be evacuated and cleared to stop the fire from spreading. Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before the supporters were allowed back into the West Stand reception. In an official City statement over the incident, the club said: “Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand. “Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished. Fans were waiting outside City’s stadium to see the club’s January signingsX / JamAntonioTV Supporters had to be evacuated due to fears of the fire spreadingGetty “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.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29 January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester. “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. “Firefighters have been in attendance for around thirty minutes and are still at the scene.” GettyThe fire was eventually contained by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue[/caption] City were in big trouble at half time with a goal by Raphael Onyedika putting Brugge 1-0 up. But Pep Guardiola’s men fought back in the second half with Mateo Kovacic levelling the game on 53 minutes. An own goal by Joel Ordonez put City 2-1 up before Savinho sealed the victory on 77 minutes. But City are set to face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in their play-off clash.
A fire outside the Etihad Stadium threatened to derail Manchester City’s preparations ahead of their final Champions League clash.
The Citizens squeezed into the knockout play-off round of the Champions League as they sealed a 3-1 win over their Belgian opponents.
Ahead of the match, emergency services had to be called to contain a fire that had broken out.
A fire started in a merchandise stand outside their stadium – leading to panic.
In footage that has gone viral on social media, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue could be seen quickly arriving on the scene to tackle the blaze.
There are no reports of any casualties or injuries, and the start of the match went ahead as scheduled.
City had been looking to formally introduce their January signings in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis to the many fans waiting outside the Etihad.
Though the unveiling ultimately had to be scrapped.
The area had to be evacuated and cleared to stop the fire from spreading.
Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before the supporters were allowed back into the West Stand reception.
In an official City statement over the incident, the club said: “Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand.
“Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished.
“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.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29 January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester.
“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.
“Firefighters have been in attendance for around thirty minutes and are still at the scene.”
City were in big trouble at half time with a goal by Raphael Onyedika putting Brugge 1-0 up.
But Pep Guardiola’s men fought back in the second half with Mateo Kovacic levelling the game on 53 minutes.
An own goal by Joel Ordonez put City 2-1 up before Savinho sealed the victory on 77 minutes.
But City are set to face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in their play-off clash.
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