There have been reports of chaos in Manchester city centre as hundreds of Galatasaray fans have brought streets to a standstill as reports of flares being set off in the streets.
Fans were making their way to Manchester City's Champions' League clash with Galatasaray tonight (January 28) at the Etihad Stadium.
As reported by Manchester Evening News, Galatasaray fans congregated on Shambles Square close to the Arndale Centre, before the traditional escorted walk to the Etihad Stadium.
Thousands of supporters were shouting 'Istanbul' as video showed a few fans unfortunately setting of flares in the street. Images and video showed smoke and red brightening the sky ahead.
LIVE updates as Galatasaray fans bring Manchester city centre to a standstill
RIPPED FROM MEN
Link: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/live-updates-galatasaray-fans-bring-33320830
Hundreds brought parts of the city to a standstill as they headed to the stadium
Red flares have reportedly lit outside Sinclair's Oyster Bar in Manchester City centre. Images from the scene also show supporters dancing and chanting.
Other footage shared online, appearing to be from Galatasaray fans, shows fireworks also being set off in the city centre. One post had the caption: "Galatasaray fans turned Manchester's streets into daylight with flares and fireworks!"
Officers from Greater Manchester Police have also been seen in numbers to escort fans to the stadium.
Police and Galatasaray fans
Greater Manchester Police were on the scene to escort the fans (Image: @DamonWilkinson6/X)
Despite the fireworks, flares and large numbers, there has been no reports of violence or disturbances in the city. Several areas of the city centre had been blocked off by the crowd.
Tonight will see former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan return to the club as he admits it will be “weird” and emotional to play at the Etihad Stadium again.
The veteran German midfielder left City last summer after spending eight of the previous nine years as a key component of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side.
GALATASARAY FANS IN MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE
Both flares and fireworks have been set off
“For me it is a special game, emotional,” said the 35-year-old, whose successes with City included five Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph and two FA Cups.
“I think it is going to be a bit weird, also, against my ex-team-mates, a coach I have worked with, have many memories with and was very close to.
“In this stadium, playing again, after so much success over so many years, it will be very beautiful and I am looking forward to it.”
Galatasaray fans turned Manchester's streets into daylight with flares and fireworks!
Despite the chaotic scenes, no reports of violence have been reported
The big Champions League game comes as Manager Pep Guardiola has doubled down on his criticism of referee Farai Hallam following Manchester City’s clash with Wolves last weekend.
Guardiola accused Hallam, who was taking charge of his first Premier League game, of attempting to make the story about himself after sticking by a decision not to award City a penalty.
Hallam had been advised to review an appeal for handball against Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera on the pitchside monitor but did not change his original verdict.
Guardiola later demanded an explanation and broadened his complaints to reference other decisions he feels have gone against his club.
Galatasaray fans
Hundreds of fans were heard chanting 'Istanbul' (Image: @DamonWilkinson6/X)
In his press conference before the Galatasaray clash, he said: "“They defend each other with their statements, always, completely understandably – they have to do that.
“(Referees chief) Howard Webb defends the referees. But, at the same time, I have to defend my club. How many times last season did I criticise referees – our worst season in 10 years? How many times? It never happened.
“Against (Manchester) United, after the game, what were my comments about the referees?
“I was incredibly respectful, in 9-10 years, with the referees. Never ever – with defeats – I never comment on absolutely anything. When I do it, it’s because I believe it’s fair enough to tell.”
This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly with the latest news, pictures and videos.
**You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox **by signing up for our newsletters.
Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following Daily Star every time you see our name.
**Follow Daily Star on Android - **CLICK HERE
**Follow Daily Star on Apple - **CLICK HERE
**Follow Daily Star on Snapchat - **CLICK HERE
You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @starbreaksnews and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates.
Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at Daily Star.