Manchester City has confirmed the dismissal of a staff member following an incident involving the individual wearing Manchester United apparel while on duty during a recent Manchester Derby match. The club took swift disciplinary action after the issue came to light, underscoring its commitment to maintaining professional conduct, especially during high-profile rival fixtures.
The incident occurred on September 14th at the Etihad Stadium, during a hotly contested Premier League fixture against local rivals Manchester United. The employee was reportedly serving at a bar within the stadium when they were seen wearing attire displaying allegiance to Manchester United.
Awareness of the situation spread rapidly after an image of the staff member circulated on social media platform X. The post, which quickly gained traction, depicted the individual in a Manchester United shirt while performing their duties. This image sparked considerable outrage among Manchester City supporters, many of whom expressed their strong disapproval online regarding a club employee openly supporting a rival team, particularly during such a significant event as the Manchester Derby.
In response to the growing controversy and the direct exposure via social media, Manchester City’s official account swiftly addressed the matter. The club’s statement confirmed that immediate action had been taken, stating, “Thanks for making us know this. We can prove that this person has been removed from the job.” The decision to terminate employment highlights the club’s firm stance on maintaining impartiality and loyalty among its staff during matchday operations, especially when facing a fierce rival.
The social media account that initially posted the image was subsequently reported to have been deleted. While the incident generated significant discussion online, Manchester City has reportedly declined to provide any further public comment on the matter beyond their initial confirmation of the dismissal.
The Premier League clash itself, a pivotal Week 4 encounter, saw Manchester City emerge victorious over Manchester United. City secured a dominant win, with goals from Phil Foden and a brace from Erling Haaland. The club’s response to the staff incident underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding derby matches and the expectations placed upon all personnel representing the club.
