Fire Near Etihad Stadium Ahead of Crucial Match

A fire broke out in a merchandise stand outside Manchester City's Etihad Stadium shortly before their crucial Champions League match against Club Brugge. The blaze began around 6 pm near the stadium's perimeter, disrupting a pre-match entertainment event featuring new signings and women's team players. Emergency services quickly contained the fire, with firefighters arriving promptly and using hose reels to extinguish it. The area was evacuated, and while the fire was brought under control without any reported injuries, three entrance gates near the scene remained closed. Despite initial concerns, the stadium was opened to fans, although the pre-match show was canceled. The incident did not delay the scheduled 8 pm kick-off, crucial for Manchester City's progression in the tournament.