A fire broke out at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium ahead of the team's Champions League clash against Club Brugge on Wednesday.
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Fire breaks out at Man City stadiumMerchandise kiosk went up in flamesNo casualties have been reportedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
A merchandise kiosk went up in flames near the entrance of the Colin Bell West Stand as the club were about to unveil January signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis to their fans. The fire has since been extinguished and no casualties have been reported.
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"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," a statement from the club read. "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."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
City clarified that the incident would not cause a delay in kick-off of the Champions League clash against Club Brugge. Pep Guardiola's team are 25th in the table heading into the last game and are in danger of crashing out of the competition altogether. Failure to beat the Belgians would see them go out.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CITY?
As fans await further details emerge explaining the cause of the fire, the reigning English champions will hope to secure the three crucial points on Wednesday evening.