Manchester City have vowed to ban for life fans who sang sick chants about Sir Bobby Charlton following his passing.
City have appealed to their fans for information after some supporters were overheard singing offensive songs about the Manchester United legend during their 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday.
England World Cup winner and United icon Charlton passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 86, after suffering with dementia for several years.
In a statement, City strongly condemned the chants and asked their supporters to get in touch with the club if they have any information about those responsible, vowing to take the strongest possible action against them
The statement from City said: “ Manchester City 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.
"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.”
City go to Old Trafford on Sunday for the derby and boss Pep Guardiola said: “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 legends. They are part of the club, they travel and represent.
"I think the big players, the legends, football has to take care of them, and in this country it’s the best for that by far
"Sir Bobby Charlton won a lot of titles with United, but when you have this presence, this figure who represents United for a long time, it’s because it's beyond the titles, it’s beyond that. I'm so sorry for his loss and always the thoughts are for the family."
CitizenOfFootball_FC
0
both sides of Manchester Are Brothers no matter how much we hate... Together we r much much stronger
GodCool
0
Liverpool fans literally slag the dead players of the Munich plane crash
Look at the number of UTD fans mocking the 96. You guys even sang about it during the matches now. Disgusting
tocciknrt
0
Who is your son
Football_Wiz25
0
It’s man city fans what u expect. They on top of the footballing world right now and still have to stoop so low. I almost pity them!!
Rizanpty
0
Who ever you are , let alone insult Man United and Man City , you have insulted the whole of England . This man Sir Bobby Charlton is a British Legend a world cup legend for England . Your manner in how you have acted , is not normal you are a disgrace to England . I hope you go to jail and meet big Bubba .You might learn how to sing Nursery Rymes again and properly . I wish I was there your teeth would have been the least of your problems . If you don't like England , well get out NOW !
gm11
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What did man UTD do when their fans sang mock about 96?
Liverpool fans literally slag the dead players of the Munich plane crash
gm11
0
Doesn't matter sure he's bigger than city.
KurtBlvcq
3
They don’t have legends, like him that’s why 🤐
viecinopr
0
So sad for our fans behaving in that manner, I hope United fans forgive us and give us a good reception
There will always be a small fraction of ignorant & mentally challenged fans within all fan groups. It’s obvious that the majority don’t approve of their behavior or behave as they do.
ManCityFanForever
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United is our son
jotkst
0
Why do City fans need to be respectful? All is fair in love and war!
Shame
jotkst
0
Why do City fans need to be respectful? All is fair in love and war!
Shame….
nitabdkru
3
So sad for our fans behaving in that manner, I hope United fans forgive us and give us a good reception
Manchesterisblue
1
Just because he once played at neighbour's club doesn't mean you can disrespect him, at least honour him as an England players who was part of the wc winning squad because those fans will never see their national team lifting that trophy again for the rest of their lives.
rusaclmrty
4
they would have respected him as English legend coz he won world cup for England
BayuPermanaPutra
0
please dont ban our supporter. it will be more emptier than ever
18597076(deleted)
0
not enough, put them behind bars in prison , disrespecting a legend like Sir Bobby Charlton is beyond rude. when a legend dies , we should set our rivalries aside and come together not throw insults at them. shame on you City fans.
That’s a bit too far. How do you put these people in prison next to murderers and rapists ?
Jeremykyan1
2
Why do City fans need to be respectful? All is fair in love and war!
some of your legends died too, Johan Cruyf to name one, did you ever see us or any other fans making fun of him?
Jeremykyan1
3
not enough, put them behind bars in prison , disrespecting a legend like Sir Bobby Charlton is beyond rude. when a legend dies , we should set our rivalries aside and come together not throw insults at them. shame on you City fans.
GodCool
0
What did man UTD do when their fans sang mock about 96?
Kesadlor
0
ban them forever,
Casdeimouz9
0
Dirty City fans. What a shame!
Agreed
Casdeimouz9
0
Why do City fans need to be respectful? All is fair in love and war!
But you still shouldn’t do that
Stickle
4
Why do City fans need to be respectful? All is fair in love and war!
TommyTang
5
Sports is about mutual respect. Without that it's no longer a team sport game but a brawl
Licbikny
1
man city a great ckub but man city fans is not the great real fans.
zeaabimsz
4
Kudos to Man City. That shows their respect for the opponent!
Edoo87
1
Ur comment about Arab is absurd wake up boy
Arabian people better than you no father for you
ruuknoprs
2
Mancity fans Mocking the Dead am not surprised. they are own by the Arab they don't value life how can they respect dead
how many Great Arabs did the Christians kill
sisbcilosy
0
Mancity fans Mocking the Dead am not surprised. they are own by the Arab they don't value life how can they respect dead
Ur comment about Arab is absurd wake up boy
kobdeimnpt
3
Mancity fans Mocking the Dead am not surprised. they are own by the Arab they don't value life how can they respect dead
danriwbik
4
Ridiculous fans
Judabcdeiy
2
Dirty City fans. What a shame!