Fire breaks out the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.(Image: PA)

Etihad Stadium evacuated as fire breaks out before Man City Champions League clash

by · Irish Mirror

Just hours before Manchester City's pivotal Champions League showdown with Club Brugge, disaster struck as a fire erupted at the Etihad Stadium. Flames sprang from a merchandise stall just a stone's throw away from the Colin Bell Stand of the stadium, reportedly triggered by a gas canister catching alight.

Emergency services were summoned to tackle the inferno, which led to evacuations at the Etihad.

A statement released by City 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 concerns resulted in all activities planned for West Stand reception being scrapped, as they clarified: "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."

Stewards didn't hesitate to clear fans from the vicinity. The incident occurred just as City fans were being introduced to January newcomers Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, and Vitor Reis, who, despite not being eligible to participate in the Club Brugge match due to Champions League registration constraints, were nevertheless significant recruits amidst the game's importance, reports the Mirror.

A fire at a nearby merchandise kiosk outside the stadium before during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at the Etihad Stadium.(Image: PA)

A pre-match spectacle was cut short when flames engulfed part of the stand, prompting stewards to usher fans to safety before the fire brigade's swift arrival. Although the extent to which this unexpected incident will impact the 8pm kick-off remains uncertain at press time, officials managed to restore a semblance of order quite promptly.

At 6.22pm, it was confirmed that supporters could return to their seats, although several gates near the blaze's location remained shut and the rest of the event was called off.

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