Manchester City apologizes to Sir Bobby Charlton’s family; vows to issue lifetime bans to fans
Sir Bobby Charlton’s family has received an apology from Manchester City after a video of their supporters shouting an offensive song about the 86-year-old Manchester United icon surfaced.
On Saturday, September 21, the United and England legend passed away, leaving the football community in sadness.
Meanwhile, City fans have come under fire after it was discovered that some of them sang offensive chants about him during the weekend’s 2-1 victory over Brighton.
A video of Manchester City fans screaming “Bobby’s in a box” at the Etihad Stadium is going viral on social media. The fans are wearing Manchester City attire.
Man City has expressed regret to Charlton’s family, asked for information on the shouts, and promised to issue banishment orders to any perpetrators.
Manchester City FC in a statement said ‘Manchester City FC are extremely disappointed to have learned of reports of offensive chanting from a small number of individuals about Sir Bobby Charlton in some of the concourses of the Etihad Stadium during half time of yesterday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion.
‘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.
‘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.’