Manchester City have apologised 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 aged 86.
The United and England icon passed away on Saturday, leaving the football world in mourning, but City supporters were heavily scrutinised 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’ on the concourse at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City have apologised to Charlton’s family and have appealed for information about the chants – vowing to ban issue banning orders to any offenders.
The statement read: ‘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.
Manchester City fans have apologised to the family of Sir Bobby Charlton after a video emerged of supporters chanting about the late United legend
The Manchester United and England icon sadly passed away on Saturday, aged 86
Manchester City have appealed for information about the chants and have vowed to issue banning orders to any offenders
‘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.’
Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals for the Red Devils across a 17-year period – and also picked up 106 caps for England, scoring 49 times.
Charlton played 758 games and scored 249 goals for Man United over a 17-year period 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 showing his support.
He revealed that the club will be making a tribute to Charlton next week when his side play against United at Old Trafford.
‘When he retired, I was born so I saw the highlights. I am sorry to the Manchester United family, to his family and England,’ Pep told the club’s website.
‘These types of players and personalities represent English football like no-one else can do it.
‘Condolences from us for his family especially. Next week when we go there (to Old Trafford), we will be present to make a tribute.
‘I love this country for many things but one of the things is how they take care of the legends.
‘They are part of the club and they travel. Sir Bobby Charlton represented United and English football unlike anyone else.’
Manchester United supporters having been paying respects to Sir Bobby with a sea of flowers laid down outside Old Trafford
The club are planning to make a tribute to their former player before their Champions League clash against Copenhagen this week
United are planning to make a further tribute to Sir Bobby ahead of their Champions League clash against Copenhagen on Tuesday night.
The club’s supporters had turned out in force at Old Trafford after the former striker’s death was announced on Saturday, with many laying down 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 are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club,’ they said.
‘Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.
‘He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.’
