MANCHESTER, England — Just before the Champions League match between Manchester City and Brugge was set to kick off, a fire erupted at a merchandise stall located outside the stadium. This stand, which sold club-branded items, was positioned near the players’ entrance at the Etihad Stadium, leading to a significant response as players were about to arrive.

Footage circulated on social media depicted the intense flames and smoke billowing from the stand, attracting the attention of onlookers. The incident also impacted the public introduction of new City players Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis, which had to be scrapped owing to the emergency situation.

Fire crews quickly responded to the scene, successfully extinguishing the fire and ensuring all hotspots were properly dealt with. The lingering aroma of smoke was still noticeable as fans gathered, awaiting entry to the match. A spokesperson from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service reported that firefighters donned breathing apparatus and utilized two hose reels in their efforts to manage the fire safely.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Security personnel promptly cordoned off the affected area to prevent any potential hazards for the attending crowd.

In a statement, Manchester City emphasized their commitment to safety, announcing that all planned events for the evening’s game, including a welcome gathering for new signings and the first team’s arrival, were canceled. UEFA confirmed that the kickoff would not be postponed and was still scheduled for 8 p.m.

As the 2023 champions, Manchester City faced Brugge in a crucial match within the new league phase of the Champions League. Currently positioned 25th in the standings, the team is determined to secure a victory to guarantee its spot in the upcoming playoff round of 16.