Man City release statement as fire breaks out at Etihad ahead of Champions League clash
Manchester City's Champions League clash with Club Brugge was rocked after a fire broke out at the Etihad Stadium hours before the game was due to kick-off
Manchester City have confirmed that the "fire has now been extinguished" and the "safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority" ahead of their Champions League showdown with Club Brugge.
The crucial match, which the Premier League champions must win to keep their European dreams alive, was disrupted hours before kick-off when a fire erupted at the Etihad Stadium.
A section outside the stadium was evacuated after a merchandise stand caught alight. Fans had gathered outside the main reception for an unveiling of City's January signings, including Egyptian sensation Omar Marmoush.
However, the event was put on hold as flames engulfed the stand and stewards ushered fans away before the arrival of the fire services. The match was set to kick-off at 8pm - in line with all of Wednesday night's games - and that is still expected to be the case.
City have since stated: "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," reports the Mirror.
City's trio of recent signings were sidelined for the clash against Club Brugge owing to Champions League registration rules, giving them a chance to join before the circus was cut short.
City's quest for European glory has been plagued with setbacks this season, enduring losses to heavyweights Juventus and PSG – the latter stinging even after leading by two goals in the back end of the match.
To add salt to their wounds, they couldn't hang onto a three-goal advantage at their own turf against Feyenoord.