Manchester City players have agreed to reimburse the ticket costs of supporters who travelled to the Arctic Circle to witness their shock 3-1 Champions League defeat by Bodø/Glimt.
Pep Guardiola’s side suffered one of the most chastening results in their European history on Tuesday night, as the Norwegian minnows claimed their first-ever victory in the Champions League group stage.
The entire 55,000 population of the fishing town of Bodø could nearly fit into City’s Etihad Stadium, but the vast gulf in finances and prestige was ignored as the hosts blew away the 2023 champions in sub-zero temperatures.
The club’s leadership group has confirmed that the squad will collectively pay back the 374 fans who made the long journey to the Aspmyra Stadion.
‘The least we can do’
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, City’s four captains—Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland—praised the loyalty of the travelling support.
“Our supporters mean everything to us,” the statement read. “We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away and we will never take it for granted.”
The players acknowledged the “sacrifice” of supporters who watched the game in minus two-degree weather. “Covering the cost of these tickets… is the least we can do,” they added.
Tickets for the 8,000-capacity stadium were priced at approximately £25 ($33), meaning the squad will reimburse a total of roughly £9,350.
A season in ‘tatters’
The defeat in Norway is the latest blow in what is becoming an increasingly disjointed season for the Premier League giants.
City’s recent form has been uncharacteristically poor:
- Premier League: They have not won a league match since the turn of the year, falling seven points behind leaders Arsenal after a 2-0 derby loss to Manchester United last weekend.
- Champions League: The loss to Bodø/Glimt has left their hopes of a top-eight finish in jeopardy.
- Discipline: Midfielder Rodri was sent off in the second half in Norway after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.
Kevin Parker, of the Manchester City Official Supporters Club, welcomed the gesture, noting that the Arctic trip was “challenging on a number of levels” for fans.
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