Manchester City’s captaincy group has drawn widespread praise after reimbursing travelling supporters following the club’s surprise 3–1 defeat to Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League.
The gesture came after 374 City fans travelled to northern Norway to support the team in freezing conditions, only to witness an unexpected loss at Aspmyra Stadion.
Shock Defeat in the Arctic Circle
City suffered one of their most surprising European defeats on Tuesday night against the Norwegian champions, well north of the Arctic Circle.
The loss compounded a difficult run for Pep Guardiola’s side and left travelling supporters disappointed after enduring long journeys and harsh weather conditions.
Fans Face Costly Away Trip
Supporters paid around £25 each for match tickets, excluding travel and accommodation costs associated with the demanding trip to Bodø.
For many fans, the defeat added to the financial and emotional toll of following the club across Europe.
Captains Step In With £10,000 Gesture
In response, City captains Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Erling Haaland and Rodri jointly agreed to refund the full ticket cost for all travelling supporters.
The reimbursement totalled approximately £9,357, close to £10,000, fully covered by the players themselves.
Statement Highlights Appreciation for Supporters
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the captains praised the loyalty and commitment of City fans.
“Our supporters mean everything to us. They are the best fans in the world,” the statement read.
The players acknowledged the sacrifice involved in travelling such a distance and described the refund as “the least we can do.”
Focus Shifts to Redemption
The captains stressed that attention has now turned to upcoming fixtures, with City set to face Wolves before hosting Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium.
They expressed confidence in bouncing back, urging fans to continue their support during a challenging period.
Praise From Fans and Observers
The move, first reported by Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski, quickly gained traction on social media.
Supporters and football pundits widely described the gesture as classy and reflective of the strong bond between the squad and its fanbase.
A Positive Moment Amid Struggles
While Guardiola admitted that “everything is going wrong” on the pitch, the captains’ action offered a rare positive moment for City supporters.
As the club looks to regain momentum domestically and in Europe, the gesture has reinforced the value Manchester City places on loyalty and shared responsibility.
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