A FIRE broke out just outside the Etihad as thousands of fans were evacuated under two hours before Manchester City’s Champions League clash.
The Premier League champions host Club Brugge needing a win to guarantee qualification into the knockout stages after a nightmare season so far.
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And things got off the a dramatic start when a large fire broke out just outside the stadium as supporters gathered before the game.
Footage emerged showing a City club merchandise van up in flames.
Fire trucks and ambulances were seen also rushing to the scene as thousands of fans looked on in shock.
Smoke billowed from the blaze towards the stadium with reports some had entered the fan concourses.
The surrounding area was evacuated as emergency services put out the fire – as the club released a statement.
It read: “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.
“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.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29th January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester.
“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire, they are currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe.
“Firefighters have been in attendance for around thirty minutes and are still at the scene.”
New signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis were all due to be unveiled in the area before kick-off.
That event was ultimately cancelled.
City’s team bus usually arrives in between a huge crowd of fans – but this was also scrapped.
Supporters had been preparing to get themselves inside the stadium in a bid to cheer on hosts.
City sit 25th in the new-look League Phase table – just outside the top 16 play-off spots.
To progress, Pep Guardiola’s side must win due to goal difference of the teams around them.
The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a play-off round between those that finished ninth to 24th.
Those that finish 25th to 36th are eliminated from all European competition – teams no longer drop into the Europa League.
Guardiola said: “The situation that we have is that we have to win the game and if not we will not continue in this competition.
“We want to have another chance to play another two games, to have the chance of the next stages.
“It’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity.”
