Man City fans cause outrage with vile chants about Sir Bobby Charlton after death of Man Utd icon
Man Utd icon Sir Bobby Charlton died at the age of 86 on Saturday
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Manchester City have apologised to Sir Bobby Charlton after vile chants from their supporters following the death of the Manchester United icon on Saturday.
Football is in mourning after the England legend passed away following a battle with dementia.
On Saturday, the same day of Charlton's death, Manchester City beat Brighton 2-1.
Goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland gave Pep Guardiola's side all three points at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City fans yesterday mocking Man UTD legend Bobby Charlton after he passed away 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/TwbNT5rxY1
— Neo 🇶🇦 (@UTDNE0) October 22, 2023
However, the match was marred by awful chants about Charlton.
Supporters dressed in City-branded clothing were seen chanting 'Bobby's in a box' with footage uploaded on social media.
And City have now apologised for the actions of their fans and appealed for information about the chants.
Furthermore, they have also insisted they will ban any offenders involved.
A 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.
"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."
Charlton played 758 goals for United, netting 249 goals.
He won three First Division titles with the club, as well as the European Cup in 1968 - a decade on from the Munich Air Disaster.
Charlton was also part of the England squad that won the World Cup back in 1966.
He played 106 times for his country, bagging 49 goals.
Only Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane have scored more for the Three Lions.
City boss Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Charlton after his side's win over Brighton, insisting he was a one-off.
"When he retired, I was born so I saw the highlights. I am sorry to the Manchester United family, to his family and England," he said.
"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.
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Man CIty boss Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Man Utd icon Sir Bobby Charlton
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"They are part of the club and they travel. Sir Bobby Charlton represented United and English football unlike anyone else."
United called Charlton a 'giant of the game' after announcing his death on Saturday.
"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 announced.
"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.
Football fans have been mourning Man Utd icon Sir Bobby Charlton
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"A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup.
"For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup.
"Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years.
"His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
"The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him."