Manchester City have warned their fans attending Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford, where a minute’s applause will be held for Sir Bobby Charlton, that anyone who misbehaves will be banned and reported to police.
On Thursday City suspended two fans identified for singing vile chants about Charlton at the club’s match against Brighton last Saturday after the former United great’s death was announced.
In an email sent on Friday to supporters with match tickets, City said: “Please note, we condemn all inappropriate or abusive behaviour. Anyone found to be behaving in such a manner will be issued with a stadium ban, and GMP [Greater Manchester police] will be made aware.”
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GMP said on Friday evening a 17-year-old had been charged with a public order offence and would appear at Salford magistrates youth court on 13 November and a 14-year-old who was voluntarily interviewed in connection with the incident would be dealt with out of court.
United took part in commemorations for Charlton before their match at Sheffield United last Saturday, held a silence before Tuesday’s home game against FC Copenhagen and will have an applause on Sunday to celebrate Charlton’s life.
Pep Guardiola signed Charlton’s book of condolence on Friday and the former City player Mike Summerbee, who played alongside Charlton for England, has visited Old Trafford to pay his respects.
“Sir Bobby was a very special footballer and a very special person,” Summerbee said. “I felt very fortunate to play with him for England and know him. It is not often you get a great footballer who is as humble as Sir Bobby was. He was the complete professional footballer. Wherever you go in the world Sir Bobby is known and loved – he will be missed greatly.”
Guardiola distanced City from the two banned fans. “They don’t represent us,” the manager said. “Alcohol makes bad things in people. Mike Summerbee went to Old Trafford to sign the book – he represents us. We have huge respect for Manchester United, especially for the icon of Sir Bobby Charlton. We will be part of the condolences, to Man United and English football.”
Guardiola said he had always enjoyed matches at Old Trafford. “It is a special place and here it is special for our fans,” he said. “The clubs have a good rivalry. The clubs respect each other; no big issues have happened in my eight seasons here.”
