Man City’s fury at fans’ sick Sir Bobby Charlton chants: Man United’s rivals apologise to football legend’s family, as video emerges of chanting at their game shortly after he died aged 86
Manchester City have apologized to the family of Sir Bobby Charlton after a video emerged of their fans singing a vile chant about the Manchester United legend following his death at the age of 86.
The United and England icon died on Saturday, leaving the football world in mourning, but City supporters came under intense scrutiny after some were heard singing offensive chants about him during their 2-1 win over Brighton this weekend.
A video circulating on social media shows a group of supporters, dressed in Manchester City-branded clothing, chanting ‘Bobby’s in a box’ in one of the concourses of the Etihad Stadium.
Man City have apologized to Charlton’s family and appealed for information about the chants, promising to issue bans to offenders.
The statement read: ‘Manchester City FC is extremely disappointed to have learned of reports of offensive chants from a small number of individuals about Sir Bobby Charlton in some concourses of the Etihad Stadium during half-time of yesterday’s Premier League match against Brighton and Hove. Albion.
Manchester City fans have apologized to the family of Sir Bobby Charlton after a video emerged of supporters singing about the late United legend
The Manchester United and England icon unfortunately passed away on Saturday at the age of 86
Manchester City have appealed for information about the chants and have promised to issue bans to offenders
‘The club condemns these chants in the strongest terms and apologizes unreservedly to Sir Bobby’s family and friends and to everyone at Manchester United.
‘Of course on this day, when the stadium paid tribute to our own legend in Francis Lee, Manchester City supporters should understand and appreciate the need for respect in our game as much as anyone.
‘Our security team is studying camera images of the halls. We are grateful 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 a prohibition order.
‘Fans who see or hear of abusive behavior are encouraged to text 0770 0151 894 to alert our dedicated security team of what they have seen.’
Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals for the Red Devils in a period of 17 years. He also made 106 appearances for England, scoring 49 times.
Charlton played 758 games and scored 249 goals for Man United during a 17-year spell at the club
His death has led to an outpouring of support from fans, pundits and former players, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola also voicing his support.
He revealed that the club will pay tribute to Charlton next week when his side play United at Old Trafford.
“When he retired, I was born, so I saw the highlights. I am sorry to the Manchester United family, his family and England,” Pep said club website.
“These types of players and personalities represent English football like no one else can.
‘Our condolences especially to his family. When we go there (to Old Trafford) next week, we will be there to pay tribute.
“I love this country for many things, but one of them is how they take care of the legends.
‘They are part of the club and travel. Sir Bobby Charlton represented United and English football like no other.”
Manchester United supporters have paid tribute to Sir Bobby with a sea of flowers outside Old Trafford
The club plan to pay tribute to their former player before this week’s Champions League match against Copenhagen
United are planning to pay another tribute to Sir Bobby ahead of their Champions League match against Copenhagen on Tuesday evening.
The club’s supporters were out in force at Old Trafford after the former striker’s death was announced on Saturday, with many laying flowers and scarves outside the stadium and in front of the ex-player’s statue.
In United’s own statement they called Sir Bobby ‘a giant of the game’.
“Manchester United is in mourning following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in our club’s history,” they said.
‘Sir Bobby was a hero to millions of people, not just in Manchester or Britain, but everywhere in the world where football is played.
‘He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.”