Man City release statement after fire breaks out at Etihad Stadium and fans evacuated

Manchester City has said that the “fire is now turned off” and the “safety of everyone attending the match tonight is our top priority” prior to their Champions League collision with Club Brugge.

The competition, which is a must for the Premier League champions if they want to keep their European hope alive, was interrupted hours before the kick-off when a fire broke out at the Etihad stage. An area outside the stadium was evacuated after a merchandise position caught fire.

Proponents had gathered outside the main reception for a presentation of the signing sessions in January in January, including the Egyptian star Omar Marmoush. But the event was suspended when Flames recorded the position and screwed stewards fans away before the fire brigade arrived.

The competition would start at 8 p.m. – in line with all the matches of Wednesday evening – and that is still expected to be the case.

City has now said: “Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the external merchandise kiosks, located at the entrance of the Colin Bell West stand. Emergency services are present on the spot and the fire is now extinguished.

“The safety of everyone who attends the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events are planned for West Stand reception canceled, including the welcome event for new players and the first team arrival.”

None of the three recent signing of City was eligible to play against Club Brugge due to registration rules from Champions League – so that they are released to participate in the event before it was reduced.

The Premier League side has remained this period in Europe. They suffered defeats for Juventus and PSG, the last one last week, even though they took a 2-0 lead in the second half. They also let an LED of three goals at home against Feyenoord at home.

City Bosspep Guardiolasaid: “The situation we have is that we have to win the game and if not, we will not continue in this competition. We want to have another chance to play two more games, to the chance of the next stages have no problem, it's an opportunity.