MANCHESTER – A hearth broke out at a merchandise stand outdoors Manchester Metropolis’s stadium shortly earlier than gamers have been on account of arrive for the Champions League match in opposition to Brugge on Wednesday.
Movies shared on-line confirmed massive flames and smoke coming from the stand, promoting membership merchandise, situated close to the gamers’ entrance on the Etihad Stadium.
New Metropolis signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis have been additionally on account of make a public look close by however it was cancelled in consequence.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, however the scent of smoke remained within the air for a while afterward as supporters waited to be let inside.
“Crews arrived rapidly on the scene. Firefighters sporting respiratory equipment used two hose reels to extinguish the hearth, they’re at the moment dampening down any hotspots and making the realm secure,” a spokesperson for Larger Manchester Fireplace and Rescue Service stated.
There have been no reported accidents and the reason for the hearth was not instantly clear.
Safety workers had cordoned off the realm and stored supporters away.
“The security of all attending the match tonight is our prime precedence, and as such all occasions deliberate for West Stand reception have been cancelled, together with the welcome occasion for brand new gamers, and the primary group arrival,” Metropolis stated in an announcement.
UEFA stated there can be no delay to the scheduled 8 p.m. kickoff.
Metropolis performs Brugge in a must-win sport because the new-look league part of the Champions League reaches its conclusion.
The 2023 champion Metropolis is twenty fifth within the standings. It must win to safe a spot within the playoffs for the spherical of 16.
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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