A fire broke out outside the Etihad Stadium tonight ahead of Manchester City’s crunch Champions League clash with Club Brugge.
The blaze occurred at a temporary merchandise stall, not far from where fans were gathered to meet the City players as they arrived.
There was also due to be an event that saw some of the club’s new signings, who were ineligible to play tonight, meet supporters but that was shelved as local fire crews battled to tackle the fire.
A fire has broken out at the Etihad Stadium as Man City’s new players are welcomed on stage pic.twitter.com/36mEhuXH02
— Jam Williams-Thomas (@JamAntonioTV) January 29, 2025
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) told the BBC: “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.”
There was no suggestion the kick-off would be delayed with UEFA keen for all games to start simultaneously so as to avoid teams knowing what they had to do in the closing stages.
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…
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 29, 2025
A City statement read: “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.
“All entrances are open, and fans can move around the Etihad Stadium as per usual. Thank you for your cooperation.
“We can confirm that tonight’s match will kick off at 8pm as originally planned. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Etihad Stadium for tonight’s match.”
