Manchester City Game Disrupted by Fire at Etihad Stadium
An area outside the Etihad Stadium faced an unexpected turn of events on Wednesday when a merchandise kiosk caught fire, prompting an evacuation just before Manchester City’s Champions League clash against Club Brugge.
Incident Overview
The blaze erupted shortly before 6 PM, close to the stadium entrance where Manchester City’s team was scheduled to arrive at 6:30 PM. Fans had gathered for a pre-match show featuring interviews and performances byome new signings, including Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, and Abdukodir Khusanov.
When the fire broke out, the show had already commenced with players Rebecca Knaak and Aemu Oyama on stage. The event was suspended as flames engulfed the nearby kiosk. Security staff quickly evacuated fans, and emergency services were on the scene within minutes.
Immediate Response
The incident led to the suspension of the pre-match show and the cancellation of planned welcome events for new players and the team’s arrival. At 6:22 PM, an announcement was made that while the stadium was re-opened for fans, three entrance gates remained closed due to safety measures.
The Manchester City team accessed the stadium through a different entrance, with the West Stand reception area closed. Despite the disruption, the game proceeded on schedule at 8 PM GMT as initially planned.
Fire services tackle the blaze in a self-contained merchandise stand outside the Etihad Stadium. Photograph: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images
Manchester City’s Response
In a statement, Manchester City confirmed the fire had been extinguished by emergency services. “The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority,” the club said, adding that planned events in the West Stand reception had been cancelled.
A subsequent update from the club assured fans that all stadium entrances were now open, and the match was set to proceed as scheduled.
Fire Service Report
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service reported that two fire engines were dispatched at 6 PM to thefootball ground on Rowsley Street. Firefighters swiftly arrived at the scene and used hose reels to extinguish the fire. They remained on-site for around twenty minutes, ensuring the area was safe for re-entry.
Conclusion
While the incident disrupted the pre-match festivities, the quick response from security and emergency services ensured that the game could proceed without significant delays. The club prioritized the safety of its fans, illustrating its commitment to ensuring a secure and enjoyable event.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in crowded venues. Manchester City’s swift action helped minimize the impact on attendees and ensured that the evening’s entertainment could continue as planned, reflecting well on the club’s emergency management practices.
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