The Manchester derby rarely passes without dramatic twists, but this time one of the defining episodes unfolded off the pitch. While Manchester City were comfortably dealing with United (3–0), a stadium employee — a bartender who showed up for his shift in the rival’s colors — lost his job for a disciplinary breach.
Lopsided Scoreline — Haaland's Brace and Foden's Contribution
On the pitch, it was as commanding as expected: Erling Haaland struck twice, and Phil Foden added another — City controlled the tempo, pressed high, and cruised to a comprehensive win. The footballing part of the evening matched the hosts’ status and current level.
Mistake Behind the Bar: Rival Kit as a Warning Sign
At the same time, another flashpoint arose in the concourse. The bartender serving the stands wore a Manchester United shirt. For neutral stadium staff, that is taboo: work attire must preclude any display of club allegiance so as not to provoke supporters or affect the service atmosphere.
Fans Noticed Immediately
In the age of smartphone cameras and social media, such episodes never stay hidden. Several spectators photographed the employee and posted the images online — the posts spread rapidly through feeds, sparking heated discussion and complaints directed at the host club.
City's Response: Swift and Public
The club reacted promptly and unequivocally: it thanked fans for flagging the issue and confirmed that the employee had been let go. In essence, it was a pointed reminder that on matchdays staff must remain neutral — especially at high-stakes fixtures where tensions are already high.
Why the Measure Is Strict but Understandable
Derbies are a stage for heightened emotions. Any visual trigger in matchday service can ignite a chain of incidents — from queues at the bar to verbal spats in the aisles. That’s why top arenas enforce strict dress codes for staff: neutral colors, standard kit, no club logos. A violation is viewed as a risk to safety and to the organizers’ reputation.
A Takeaway for the Events Industry
The episode at the Etihad is a lesson for all services around sport: conduct and dress standards are as much a part of the big match as tactics on the field. Adhering to them keeps emotions within acceptable bounds and helps ensure that, after a derby, the headlines are about the game and the goals — not staff in 'other' shirts.
