A fire outside the Etihad Stadium threatened to derail Manchester City’s preparations ahead of their final Champions League clash.
The Citizens are preparing to face Club Brugge on Wednesday night knowing they must beat their Belgian opponents to progress into the knockout play-off round.
X / JamAntonioTVA fire broke out outside the Etihad which saw emergency services arrive quickly on the scene[/caption]
And 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, with the 8pm kick-off time still expected to go ahead on time.
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.”
GettyThe fire was eventually contained by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue[/caption]
For City, they go into their meeting with Brugge with their destiny in their own hands.
As it stands, they sit in 25th spot – one place below the cut-off for the knockout play-off stage.
But they know that victory will see them progress into the next round.
However, Brugge, who sit two points and five places above City, go into the match in great form with the club on a 20-game unbeaten streak.
