In a dramatic off-field moment that stole headlines during the heated Manchester derby, Manchester City swiftly dismissed a bar worker at the Etihad Stadium for wearing a Manchester United jersey while serving drinks on match day. The incident, which sparked outrage among City supporters, unfolded before the kickoff of the September 14, 2025, clash, where the Sky Blues dominated their rivals with a commanding 3-0 victory. The controversy, amplified by social media, highlighted the intense passion and tribal loyalty that define one of football’s fiercest rivalries, turning a simple wardrobe choice into a match-day scandal.
The episode began when a City fan, incensed by the sight of a barman in Block 315 donning a dark Manchester United away shirt from the 2018-19 season, took to social media to voice their frustration. “Absolute joke @ManCity – letting one of the bar staff in block 315 wear a United shirt on Derby Day,” the fan posted, sharing a photo of the worker pouring a pint of Asahi with the United crest prominently displayed. The image quickly went viral, igniting a firestorm among City supporters who saw the act as a provocative affront on a day steeped in rivalry. The club’s fan support team responded promptly, stating, “Thank you for making us aware of this. We can confirm that this individual has now been removed from their position.” The swift action underscored City’s commitment to maintaining a unified match-day atmosphere at the Etihad.
The barman’s decision to wear the rival kit, whether a deliberate taunt or a lapse in judgment, struck a nerve in an already charged environment. Derby day in Manchester is more than a game—it’s a cultural battleground where loyalties are worn as badges of honor. The worker, whose identity remains undisclosed, unzipped a jacket to reveal the United shirt, a move that some fans speculated was intended to rile up the home crowd. “He shouldn’t be wearing it – it’s only going to cause trouble!” one supporter commented online, capturing the sentiment that such a display could inflame tensions. Others, however, questioned the severity of the response, with one fan quipping, “Some fella turns up in fancy dress and that’s your biggest concern, £4 for a sausage roll is an outrage?” Another remarked, “Sacking someone for what was probably a bit of derby day banter, maybe even a dare. What a club!!” The divided reactions highlighted the fine line between playful rivalry and perceived disrespect in football’s passionate ecosystem.
On the pitch, Manchester City delivered a masterclass, with Phil Foden opening the scoring in the 18th minute and Erling Haaland netting a brace, securing a 3-0 rout. The match, the 197th Manchester derby, began with a poignant tribute to boxing legend and City fan Ricky Hatton, who passed away earlier that day at 46. “My heart obviously goes out to his family at this hard time,” Foden said, dedicating his goal to Hatton. “Today is for him, and we’re going to try and get the win for him.” The emotional weight of the tribute added intensity to City’s performance, making the barman’s wardrobe choice an even starker contrast to the unified spirit at the Etihad.
The incident sparked broader discussions about workplace impartiality in sports settings. Some fans argued that sacking the worker was excessive, with one noting, “It’s just football lads, he’s not wearing a political or derogatory symbol.” Others, however, supported City’s decision, emphasizing that stadium staff represent the club and should align with its identity on such a high-stakes day. The episode echoed a recent legal case in London, where a judge suggested an employer could refuse to hire a Tottenham fan in an Arsenal-dominated workplace to maintain harmony, a precedent that underscores the cultural weight of football allegiances.
As the dust settles, the barman’s dismissal serves as a reminder of the unwritten rules governing football’s tribal landscape. For Manchester City, the victory on the pitch and the swift handling of the off-field controversy reinforced their dominance in Manchester. For the unnamed barman, the day was a costly lesson in the power of rivalry and the expectations of representing a Premier League giant.
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