Manchester City fan critical following ‘violent clash’ after Champions League game
Written by News on 21/02/2019
A Manchester City fan is fighting for his life after an alleged assault following their Champions League match against Schalke.
City staff have stayed in Germany to support the 32-year-old supporter, who police say has suffered “a massive traumatic brain injury” and is being treated in hospital with an “acute danger to life”.
A police statement said there was a “violent clash” between City and Schalke supporters at 10.50pm local time (9.50pm UK time) on Wednesday.
“In the wrangling, a 32-year-old Englishman was hit by a blow that caused him to fall to the ground”, the statement said.
“In this fall, he suffered a massive traumatic brain injury.”
The supporter was rushed to hospital by ambulance where is “there is currently acute danger to life”, the statement added.
A Manchester City spokesman said the club were “aware of an alleged assault after the match at the Veltins Arena” in the western city of Gelsenkirchen.
They added that the club are working with Greater Manchester Police and German police.
“Club staff have remained in Germany to support the family of an injured City fan who is currently in a critical condition in hospital,” a statement said.
“Anyone with information that can help the police should contact 101.”
The alleged assault followed City’s 3-2 victory, with Pep Guardiola’s side scoring two goals in the last five minutes to claim a dramatic victory in the first leg of the last 16 tie.
Meanwhile, six Celtic fans in Valencia have been arrested following altercations with police officers, according to Spanish police.
Supporters were involved in violent clashes with local police in the city centre on Wednesday, with footage showing fans walking down a street in the Spanish city, monitored by police in full riot gear.
Spanish police said five Celtic fans were arrested for disorderly conduct, while one more was detained for alleged drug trafficking.
Celtic are playing Valencia in a Europa League last 32 tie on Thursday evening.
Last season, Liverpool supporter Sean Cox was attacked by a Roma fan and subsequently left with brain injuries before the sides met in a Champions League semi-final at Anfield.
(c) Sky News 2019: Manchester City fan critical following ‘violent clash’ after Champions League game
