Man City appeal to fans for information after spectators at the Etihad Stadium sang offensive chants about Sir Bobby Charlton during the side’s 2-1 win against Brighton
- Man City have condemned offensive chants sung about Sir Bobby Charlton
- Some spectators were heard at the Etihad on Saturday singing the chants
- The club are appealing for fans to step forward if they have any information
Manchester City are appealing to fans for information after some spectators were overheard to have sung offensive chants about Sir Bobby Charlton during their 2-1 victory against Brighton on Saturday.
The Manchester United and England legend passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 86.
In a statement issued to Manchester Evening News, the club spoke of their disappointment to hear of the incident and strongly condemned the chants before asking fans to step forward should they have any information.
The club added that they would be issuing banning orders to individuals who were found guilty.
The statement read: ‘Manchester City FC are extremely disappointed to have learned of reports of offensive chanting from a small number of individuals about Sir Bobby Charlton in some of the concourses of the Etihad Stadium during half time of yesterday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Manchester City have strongly condemned offensive chants overheard at the Etihad Stadium during their 2-1 win against Brighton
The Manchester United and England legend sadly passed away on Saturday, aged 86
City wrote in a statement that they would be issuing bans to anyone making offensive chants and appealed to fans for more information
‘The club condemns these chants in the strongest terms, and apologises unreservedly to the family and friends of Sir Bobby, and to all those at Manchester United. On this day of all days, when the stadium stood to pay tribute to our own legend in Francis Lee, Manchester City supporters should understand and appreciate as keenly as anyone the need for respect in our game.’
‘Our security team are studying CCTV footage of the concourse areas. We are thankful to those who have already come forward to report this matter, and we continue to appeal for any information that can help us identify the individuals involved, so that we can take the appropriate action to issue banning orders.
‘Fans who see or hear abusive behaviour are encouraged to text 0770 0151 894 to make our dedicated security team aware of what they have witnessed.’
It comes as Man United fans have been paying their respects to the club legend, who played 758 games and scored 249 goals for the club across a 17-year period.
Fans have been queuing to sign a book of condolence at Old Trafford, while others have laid flowers and scarves around the stadium.
Pep Guardiola also paid his respects to the 1966 World Cup winner, stating that the club will be making a tribute to Charlton next week when his side play against United at Old Trafford.
Manchester United fans are queuing up to sign a book of condolence for their legend
Fans have turned up to Old Trafford in droves to pay their respects with flowers
‘When he retired, I was born so I saw the highlights. I am sorry to the Manchester United family, to his family and England,’ Pep told the club’s website.
‘These types of players and personalities represent English football like no-one else can do it.
‘Condolences from us for his family especially. Next week when we go there (to Old Trafford), we will be present to make a tribute.
‘I love this country for many things but one of the things is how they take care of the legends.
‘They are part of the club and they travel. Sir Bobby Charlton represented United and English football unlike anyone else.’
More to follow…
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