A ‘small number’ of Man City fans sang offensive chants about Sir Bobby Charlton following his death (Photo: Getty / Shutterstock)
Manchester City have ‘apologised unreservedly’ after a some of their fans allegedly sang offensive chants about the late Sir Bobby Charlton.
The Manchester United and England legend passed away on Saturday at the age of 86.
The news was announced by Charlton’s family at 4pm, during half-time of many of the Premier League’s fixtures that afternoon, including City’s 2-1 victory over Brighton at the Etihad.
It has since been reported that a ‘small number’ of home supporters sang offensive songs about the World Cup winner’s death, which prompted complaints from fellow Citizens in the stands.
On the Sunday, the club released the following statement concerning the matter: ‘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.
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‘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.’
United paid tribute to one of the greatest players of all-time ahead of their 2-1 win at Sheffield United on Saturday night, and more tributes are expected at their next home game against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Their next Premier League match at Old Trafford is the Manchester derby against local rivals City next Sunday.
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Following City’s win against Brighton, manager Pep Guardiola added to the tributes to Charlton, saying: ‘When he retired, I was born so I saw the highlights. I am sorry to the Manchester United family, to his family and England.
‘These types of players and personalities represent English football like no-one else can do it. Condolences from us for his family especially.
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‘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.’
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‘We continue to appeal for any information that can help us identify the individuals involved.’