Trouble as Man City endure another strange night in Europe
Celtic's on-loan Citizens star Patrick Roberts scores at the Etihad, but fears grow over Uefa action after violence breaks out
Manchester City's troubled relationship with the Champions League was underlined when they finished their group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw against Celtic.
The match served as a showcase for the talents of one of their young players – Patrick Roberts – although his performance would have provoked conflicting emotions as he is on loan at the Scottish champions and scored against his parent club.
City will have other concerns following the match, however. "Fighting broke out among several supporters in the 73rd minute of the 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium before being contained by a heavy security presence. The trouble occurred in the lower tier of the home section closest to Celtic's fans and is likely to prompt an investigation by European football’s governing body," reports The Guardian.
"Uefa's control, ethics and disciplinary body may also take unkindly to City supporters once again booing the Champions League anthem before kick-off. The club was charged over the same incident last season, although no such draconian action has been taken when the anthem has been booed during this campaign."
Celtic fans contributed to the trouble, with the Daily Mail reporting one supporter was arrested in Manchester city centre for throwing a hamburger at a police horse.
There were also claims "of visiting supporters letting off fireworks on a tram, causing a nuisance in home areas of the stadium and of a group who tried to storm a gate to gain entry to City's ground", adds the paper.
Celtic had plenty to cheer on the pitch, however, where was Roberts was the star.
The 19-year-old winger has been on loan to the Bhoys throughout this year after City from Fulham in 2015. He did not take long to make an impression at his parent club, scoring after four minutes. His goal was cancelled out by Kelechi Iheanacho later in the first half.
"It is, of course, ironic that Roberts's first start at the Etihad Stadium should come against his parent club, but while [City manager Pep] Guardiola was quick to stress that a solitary game is not going to determine the teenager's long-term future at City, a superbly taken goal will do him no harm and provided the highlight of this Champions League dead-rubber," says the Daily Telegraph.
