19 September 2023 , 19:11
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A minute's silence before Manchester City 's Champions League clash with Crvena Zvezda was disrupted by supporters, with a chorus of boos forcing the referee to bring it to an end.
The reigning European champions were then abused by chants of “F*** you City, f*** you!” from the away end, where around 3,000 visiting supporters were housed. City were hosting the Serbian champions at the Etihad Stadium for their opening group game as they aim to defend their European crown.
Ahead of the clash, the two teams took to the centre circle for a moment of reflection following the tragic earthquake in Morocco, as well as the recent floods in Libya. Whilst the silence was observed perfectly by the vast majority within the stadium, it was then disturbed by chants from the clutch of visiting supporters.
City fans responded with loud boos towards the Crvena Zvezda - formerly Red Star Belgrade - supporters. They then received a reply of their own with the away fans chanting a foul-mouth chorus of “F*** you City, f*** you!”.
The referee was then forced to bring the silence to an end. The Red Star fans' interruption was not the only thing to have been booed ahead of the game at the Etihad Stadium.
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Despite winning the competition for the first time in their history last season, Man City fans still booed the Champions League anthem. That has become a tradition on European evenings, with supporters protesting against UEFA.
Manchester City observe a minute's silence vs Crvena Zvezda (Getty Images)Will Man City retain the Champions League title? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Boss Pep Guardiola previously urged supporters not to boo the anthem ahead of their clash with Inter Milan in last season's Champions League final. He said: "It's a day to celebrate.
"What's happened in the past is in the past and it’s an incredible competition. We're here to support what UEFA is doing and we're not going to boo any more. So support the team, support the game and try to have fun."
City ran out victorious during that game as they beat Inter Milan 1-0 courtesy of Rodri's solitary strike. That victory saw Guardiola's side complete an historic treble having already won the FA Cup and Premier League.
Following their clash with Red Star, Man City then face further clashes against RB Leipzig and Young Boys in their other two group fixtures. City have not failed to progress from the group stage of the Champions League since the 2012-13 season.