A huge fire broke out outside Manchester City's Etihad Stadium just hours before the club's crucial Champions League match versus Club Brugge.

The fire is now under control, and that the match is expected to go ahead as planned, but footage from social media showed just how aggressive the blaze was as it tore through a merchandising stand.

Supporters had gathered outside the stadium's main reception in anticipation of a planned unveiling of Manchester City's January signings, but that presentation was suspended as the safety of all of those in attendance took priority.

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Fire engines were quickly on the scene to deal with the blaze as supporters were evacuated from the area, and thankfully no injuries were reported.

A club statement issued on social media platform X said: "Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand. Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished.

"The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first team arrival."

City currently finds itself in the competition's elimination zone and needs to beat Brugge in order to secure a play-off spot. Ahead of the match, City boss Pep Guardiola said: “The situation we have: we have to win the game, and if not, then we won’t continue in the competition.

“We want to go through to have another chance to play another two games and qualify for the next stage. It’s not a problem; it’s an opportunity, a challenge, and we will face it.”