Two hours before Manchester City’s Champions League fixture against Club Brugge at Etihad Stadium, a merchandise kiosk outside the venue was consumed by flames.
The incident occurred just before 18:00 GMT, coinciding with a gathering of fans eager to witness the introduction of the club’s new signings for January.
As supporters convened outside the stadium’s main entrance, the event was abruptly suspended, and the vicinity was swiftly evacuated under the supervision of stewards and security personnel.
The fire brigade arrived promptly, extinguishing the fire situated near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand.
Manchester City confirmed via X at 19:11 that the evening’s match would proceed as scheduled at 20:00, with all stadium entrances operational and fans free to circulate normally.
The reigning Premier League champions required a victory to advance to the competition’s playoff stage.
At approximately 18:30, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service announced their ongoing efforts at the scene, focusing on extinguishing any remaining hotspots and securing the area.
The presentation had commenced prior to the disruption, featuring appearances from Women’s team players Rebecca Knaak and Aemu Oyama.
Men’s team players Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, and Abdukodir Khusanov were expected to follow.
Although the welcoming ceremony for the new signings and the first-team arrival were cancelled, photographs of the players arriving at the stadium were later released.
