Manchester City removes Etihad bar worker after turning up in Manchester United shirt on derby day
Club says the individual was removed from their position after a fan's post on X; the incident preceded a stadium tribute to Ricky Hatton
Manchester City confirmed that a bar worker at the Etihad Stadium was removed from their position after turning up for a shift wearing a Manchester United shirt on the day of the Manchester derby.
A home supporter posted a photograph of the member of staff on X, formerly Twitter, complaining that the individual was serving drinks in block 315 while wearing a United away shirt from the 2018–19 season. The fan wrote: "Absolute joke @ManCity - letting one of the bar staff in block 315 wear a United shirt on Derby Day #mcfc." Club officials replied to the post, saying: "@Mataniels @ManCity Thank you for making us aware of this. We can confirm that this individual has now been removed from their position."
The removal occurred before kick-off at the derby, which began with a stadium tribute to former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton. Hatton, a Manchester City supporter, was found dead at his home near Manchester earlier on the day of the match; he was 46. Players from both clubs stood together for a minute of applause as the crowd paid tribute.
City midfielder Phil Foden, speaking before the match, described the news of Hatton's death as "devastating" and said: "My heart goes out to his family at this time. Obviously to hear the news before a big game is devastating and I'm sure he would've been here supporting us. Today is for him and we're going to try to get the win and do the best we can for him. We've got to use it as motivation." The stadium erupted into applause when the teams appeared on the pitch; City manager Pep Guardiola was visibly emotional on the touchline.
Manchester City did not provide further details about the employment status of the individual or whether the removal constituted a permanent dismissal. The club's brief response on social media said only that it had been made aware of the matter and that the person had been removed from their position.
The incident highlights the sensitivity around club identity on derby days at the Etihad, where rival supporters and staff are under close scrutiny. Stadium operators and clubs typically enforce dress and conduct policies for matchday staff to maintain safety and avoid provocation among supporters.
No comment was immediately available from Manchester United. The club confirmed the match proceeded after the pre-match tributes to Hatton, with playing staff and supporters united in the applause before kick-off.