A fire erupted at a merchandise kiosk outside Etihad Stadium just before Manchester City was set to face Club Brugge on January 29, 2025, causing chaos but no reported injuries. The incident unfolded as thousands of fans gathered to witness the presentation of new January signings, including Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis. Just before 6 PM, the kiosk, situated near the Colin Bell West Stand, caught fire due to clothing accidentally falling onto an electric heater, as later confirmed by investigators.
When the flames broke out, videos quickly circulated online showing significant flames and smoke emanated from the stand. The rapid response of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service ensured the blaze was extinguished within approximately 75 minutes. Despite this, the smell of smoke lingered as attendees awaited entry. The club acted swiftly, cancelling all planned events for the West Stand reception, including the welcome event for new players, to prioritize fan safety.
Emergency services cordoned off the area around the merchandise stand, creating safety perimeters as they battled the fire. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The fire was eventually put out before Manchester City officials confirmed the UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge would still go on as planned at 8 PM.
More than just spectators, fans felt the impact of the fire as they were evacuated and ushered away from the scene, creating chaotic moments right outside the stadium as stewards and security personnel guided them to safety. Images taken post-event displayed the extent of damage, with the kiosk completely ravaged by flames.
Manchester City, who entered the match as reigning champions, needed the win to solidify their place for the round of 16 playoffs. Earlier, manager Pep Guardiola made light of the situation, saying, "When I saw the fire before the game, I thought 'the journalists have their headlines already.'" This quote captured the mixed tension and humor of the surreal moment marking the team's buildup to the significant match.
The match itself proved to be just as dramatic. After going down 1-0 to Club Brugge just before halftime, City rallied with goals from Mateo Kovacic and Savinho to secure a 3-1 comeback victory. Guardiola acknowledged how perilous the first half felt, stating, "We were on the verge, 45 minutes from being out. It is an incredible lesson for me, the club, and nothing is taken for granted." His comments reflected not only the team's resilience but also the unusual backdrop of their evening, witnessing moments of chaos outside the stadium before finding their rhythm inside it.
Once the flames were extinguished and the area cleared, fans who could finally enter the stadium prepared to cheer on their team. UEFA confirmed the match went off without any debacle from the fire, even as the club maintained heightened security measures ensuring all attendees felt safe during the thrilling Champions League encounter.
Overall, the incident served as both a disruption and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live sports events—demonstrations of fire safety, fan engagement, and the unpredictable moments behind the scenes. With the match successfully completed and assurance of safety reiterated, Manchester City fans left with both the thrill of their team’s victory and the vivid memory of how close a mere fire could come to affecting their beloved game.
The aftermath of the incident, as well as the quick response from emergency teams, highlighted the importance of preparedness and rapid action during crowded events. This is especially true for venues like the Etihad Stadium, where large crowds gather for sports and entertainment. Fans, players, and staff alike now share the story of how some clothing inadvertently sparked significant excitement on what turned out to be important night of football.