Manchester City issues statement after fire at Etihad Stadium ahead of Club Brugge game

Manchester City issued a statement after a fire broke out at the Etihad Stadium ahead of their clash with Club Brugge on Wednesday night (January 29).

A merchandise stall erupted into flames outside the Colin Bell West stand entrance shortly before 6pm, prompting a huge emergency services response.

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but pictures and videos showed how the cabin became engulfed in flames as thousands of fans arrived ahead of the 8pm kick off.

Huge crowds were being pushed back and fleeing the area after the fire broke out. Smoke was billowing from the stand as numerous fire engines and police vehicles arrived on blue lights in chaotic scenes outside the stadium.

A number of entrance gates also closing for the evening due to emergency services working at the scene. The incident was also not thought to have caused any delays to the 8pm kick off time, reporters in the stadium were told.

A statement, issued by Manchester City also confirmed the fire had been extinguished and that teams would be arriving at different entrances.

It 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."