Manchester City supporter 'left for dead' after violent attack by Club Brugge fans

Manchester City are looking into a violent attack which has left one of the club’s fans in a serious condition in hospital in Belgium.

The 63-year-old is believed to have been set upon by a gang of Club Brugge supporters in a car park in nearby Drongen after watching City secure an impressive 5-1 win over the Belgium champions. Five people have been arrested.

City are trying to liaise with local police with reports suggesting the man is “fighting for his life” after a sustained and violent assault.

The supporter, who lives in Belgium, is a member of the Blue Moon Supporters Club in the country and has got tickets for the game at the Jan Breydal stadium through them.

The man has been named locally as Guido and an eye witness, who appears to be the victim’s son Jurgen is quoted in HLN.

Son Jurgen said: “Witnesses saw that they were supporters of Club Brugge… We visited him last night and he is in a coma. His condition is critical. His brain is damaged and the doctors haven't given us too much hope. We hope he gets through, but the chance is very slim that it will happen completely unscathed.

“We've been going to matches in England and Europe for years and we've never had a problem. Now we go to one match in Belgium and he is left for dead. Do have respect for each other. I am not a Club Brugge fan and I have been shouting in the stadium that their fans should shut up, but when the match is over you have to respect each other.

“That also happens in England: there we walk before and after the match between the fans of other teams. That's possible there. Why not here? This must be pointed out. There has to be respect again. Please stop this behavior.”

The man was transferred in a coma to the AZ Maria Middelares.

Manchester City said in a statement: “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to hear reports of an attack on one of our supporters after the Champions League game in Bruges last night.

“We are currently working with our counterparts at Club Brugge as well as Belgian and Greater Manchester Police to establish more information.

“Our thoughts and best wishes go out to the family and friends of the Belgian based supporter, who remains in hospital.”

Club Brugge added: “Club Brugge was horrified to learn of the events at the E40 motorway parking lot in Drongen where a Manchester City supporter, who had previously been a guest at the Jan Breydel Stadium, was attacked.

“Club Brugge strongly disapproves of all criminal behavior, both inside and outside the stadium and puts tolerance first. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the Manchester City supporter..”