Manchester City have denounced obscene shouts heard at the Etihad Stadium during half-time of Saturday’s Premier League game against Brighton in the aftermath of Bobby Charlton’s death.
Across the game, tributes have been paid to the former Manchester United and England great, whose death at the age of 86 was revealed on Saturday afternoon.
Charlton, a major component of England’s World Cup-winning team in 1966, also had significant success at club level with United, who became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
City has apologised to Charlton’s family and United for the yelling by a “small number of individuals” and has promised to take the harshest measures against anyone found to be engaged.
“Manchester City FC are extremely disappointed to have learned of reports of offensive chanting about Sir Bobby Charlton from a small number of individuals in some of the concourses of Etihad Stadium during half-time of yesterday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion,” the Premier League champions said in a statement.
“The club strongly condemns these chants and sincerely apologises to Sir Bobby’s family and friends, as well as to everyone 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 the importance of respect in our game as much as anyone else.”
“Our security team is looking over CCTV footage from the concourse areas.” We appreciate those who have already come forward to report this incident.
“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.”
“The Premier League is appalled to hear reports of Sir Bobby Charlton-related chanting at yesterday’s game at Etihad Stadium,” the league said in a statement.
“We welcome Manchester City seeking information on those responsible and will support any subsequent action.”
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