Manchester City issue statement condemning offensive Sir Bobby Charlton chants

Manchester City have issued a strong-worded statement appealing for help from fans, after a minority of supporters were filmed singing offensive chants on the Etihad Stadium concourse.

Pep Guardiola’s side beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday afternoon to return to the top of the Premier League table and bounce back from three successive domestic losses, courtesy of first-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland.

Manchester City’s win, which came despite Ansu Fati halving the deficit in the 73rd minute and Manuel Akanji being sent off, has been overshadowed by footage of offensive chanting emerging online.

The club are appealing for help from fellow supporters to identify a ‘small number of individuals’ who sang offensive chants relating to Sir Bobby Charlton, who’s death was announced on Saturday afternoon.

The Manchester United and England legend was part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning side and enjoyed a glittering career; winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup.

The death of Sir Bobby Charlton was announced during Manchester City’s match against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium, with tributes pouring in for the footballing legend, who passed away aged 86.

Footage on social media showed a minority of Manchester City supporters on the concourse offensively chanting about the death of Sir Bobby Charlton, with the club appealing to fellow supporters to help identity the individuals.

In a statement provided to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester City said: “Manchester City 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 Etihad Stadium during half time of yesterday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion.

“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.”