Man City are working with Serbian police to hunt down 30 masked Red Star hooligans after travelling English supporters were attacked by thugs with wooden sticks in a bar
- Man City supporters were reportedly attacked by Red Star hooligans in Belgrade on Tuesday night
- The club have now released a statement after the violent attacks on their supporters in Serbia
- CHRIS SUTTON: I was RIGHT to call Man United players ‘snakes’ last week – IAKO
Manchester City have released a short statement condemning violence against their supporters in Serbia after attacks on travelling fans took place ahead of their Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade.
Around 20 Man City supporters were allegedly ambushed and beaten up with wooden sticks in a bar on Tuesday night.
Police have been hunting for the masked Belgrade supporters the attack that reportedly took place at around 11pm on Tuesday evening.
City have expressed their concern over the violent scenes and revealed they are now working with local police in Serbia to guarantee the safety of their fans for the remainder of their time in the European city.
‘Manchester City FC is concerned by the news of an attack on our travelling fans last night in Belgrade,’ said City’s statement.
Man City have released a short statement after some of their travelling supporters were reportedly attacked in Serbia
There was a heavy police presence at the Rajko Mitic Stadium prior to kick off on Wednesday
‘We are working closely with the local police to provide additional safety advice and support to all fans attending this evening’s match.’
Some supporters are understood to have been hospitalised as a result of the altercation but have now been released with only minor injuries.
Around 30 masked people were involved in the fracas, with the suspected attackers believed to be supporters of Red Star Belgrade.
City supporters were struck on the head and body by their attackers during the chaos and fled towards the city centre before police arrived on the scene.
Man City supporters heading to the Rajko Mitic Stadium are being transferred to and from the stadium by coaches and the club have advised fans to not display club colours or show branded items.
Pep Guardiola’s Man City side had already qualified for the next round of the Champions League heading into Wednesday’s match
City supporters can be seen trapped inside a pub in Serbia while hooligans attempt to get in
There was a significant police presence at the ground before kick off with riot gear specialists in attendance in case of any repeated violence.
A previous message from the club, stated: ‘We have arranged coaches leaving Student Square at 3:30PM (local time) to safely transport all our fans to and from the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
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The final Champions League group fixture is a formality for both teams with City already qualified from Group G after winning all five of their matches, including a 3-1 home win over Red Star in September.
Meanwhile, Red Star will finish bottom of the group regardless of the result.
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