Manchester City's Etihad Stadium evacuated before Barcelona clash - because of 'burnt chips'

An evening of excitement on the pitch was preceeded by drama off it, as an apparent culinary blunder forced staff and journalists out of the ground hours ahead of kick-off

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Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was evacuated ahead of their historic Champions League victory over Barcelona – because of ‘burnt chips’.

City’s thrilling win over Barcelona – in which Pep Guardiola reaped revenge his old side – provided plenty of excitement on the pitch as the hosts came from behind to win 3-1.

But the evening began in equally dramatic fashion as the stadium was evacuated, with more than 100 city staff, television and print journalists forced to leave after the alarm sounded at about 5pm.

There were no supporters inside the ground at the time, reports the Manchester Evening News, and people were allowed back into the stadium quickly.

The club confirmed the incident was due to a fire alarm but gave no details as a specific cause. However, one member of staff is reported to have suggested it was due to chips being burnt in one of the kitchens.

An Etihad worker said: “It was all very orderly. No-one panicked and they were soon back in again.”