Manchester City beat Brighton yesterday at the Etihad Stadium (2-1), but the three points achieved by Pep Guardiola's team were overshadowed by the media following the chants launched by some Citizens fans against Sir Bobby Charlton, Manchester United legend and of English football who died this Saturday at the age of 86. “Charlton in a box,” sang a small section of the Etihad stands during the match.
Some UK media outlets have expressed their dismay at the events that have occurred. The Daily Express has put the following message on its front page: "How could you?" (How could they?), criticizing what happened in the fiefdom of the British team. Some acts for which City claims to be “extremely disappointed” and are already looking for those responsible for this incident.
"Our security team is studying the security images. We continue to request any information that can help us identify the people involved so that we can take the appropriate measures to issue prohibition orders," Manchester City said in a statement, which has condemned the acts. and has apologized to Sir Bobby's family and friends, as well as Manchester United fans.
“These chants do not represent the values or opinions of Manchester City or the vast majority of our fans, who behaved exemplarily throughout the match,” the entity states.
The Red Devils will host the Citizens at Old Trafford next Sunday, October 19, on the next day of the Premier League, in a derby that is expected to be one of the most tense in recent years. The highest competition of English football has also been “dismayed” by the offensive chants of the fans of the league leader yesterday: “We are glad that Manchester City is seeking information about those responsible and we will support any subsequent action,” reports the Premier. about the repercussions that this setback may have.
On the other hand, Pep Guardiola wanted to pay tribute to Bobby Charlton, after the news of the death of the former English footballer and confirmed that "we will join the tribute in his honor, when we visit Old Trafford next week." "When he hung up his boots, I barely was born, but I was able to see his highlights. My heart goes out to the Manchester United family, to yours and to all of England," said Pep, in addition to sending his “deepest condolences” to the family of the 1967-68 Champions League champion, on behalf of City.
Manchester City paid tribute to Charlton through a minute of silence before starting the match. Tributes to one of the greatest symbols of English football will tour many of the world's stadiums in the coming days.
However, FC Barcelona was the first to pay tribute to the figure of Bobby Charlton, when Joan Laporta decided to temporarily stop the Blaugrana club's Committers' Assembly yesterday, just a few minutes after United announced the death of the English football legend.
"My condolences to the friends and family of Sir Bobby Charlton, legend of Manchester United, English and world football. A gentleman always on and off the playing fields," expressed the Barça president on social networks, at the end of the Assembly. A minute of silence was also held before the opening whistle at Barcelona-Athletic Club on matchday nine of the league, at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.
