Man City match halted as protestors storm Etihad pitch during Galatasaray clash

Manchester City were 2-0 up against Galatasaray in the Champions League when the match was abruptly stopped as protesters stormed the pitch at the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City’s Champions League match against Galatasaray was halted after protestors invaded the pitch. Pep Guardiola’s team were leading 2-0 when the disruption took place and remain on track to secure automatic qualification for the last 16.

Officials were forced to suspend play when multiple protestors breached security at the Etihad Stadium, brandishing flags as they ran onto the playing surface.

Stewards swiftly apprehended the protestors and removed them from the pitch shortly after the second half had got underway.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring for the Premier League champions following an excellent through ball from Jeremy Doku in the 11th minute.

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Rayan Cherki doubled the advantage after more impressive work from Doku down the left flank. The winger delivered a cut-back to the French midfielder, who finished clinically from just inside the penalty area approaching the half-hour mark, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Play was later stopped again following a clash of heads between City substitute Tijjani Reijnders and Galatasaray defender Davinson Sanchez.

Despite the interruptions, it was a good night on the pitch for City, who won to ensure they finished inside the top eight of the Champions League table, thereby booking a place in the last 16 without the need for a two-legged play-off.

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