Fire Disrupts Pre-Match Events Outside Etihad Stadium Before Champions League Fixture

A merchandise stand caught fire near Manchester City's stadium hours before their critical match against Club Brugge, prompting evacuations and gate closures but no injuries.

The fire broke out shortly before 6pm near the West Stand reception of the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City was set to face Club Brugge in a decisive Champions League match.
The blaze began at a merchandise stand, leading to evacuations of hundreds of fans gathered for a pre-match entertainment show featuring new signings and women's team players.
Emergency services, including two fire engines, quickly arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire, with no injuries reported.
Three entrance gates near the affected area were closed, but the rest of the stadium remained open, and the match was scheduled to proceed at 8pm as planned.
Manchester City canceled pre-match events near the West Stand, prioritizing safety, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.