'Least we can do' - Man City captains make major fan gesture after Champions League disaster

Manchester City captains have taken a decision after a 3-1 defeat for the Blues in the Arctic Circle

Manchester City captains have chipped in nearly £10,000 to cover the cost of tickets for all 374 fans who went out to watch them in Bodo. Hundreds of Blues travelled to the Arctic Circle for the Champions League game but witnessed a limp performance and a shock 3-1 defeat.

Having started the night in fourth place in the table with just two games remaining, the result leaves City in danger of falling into the Champions League play-off places. They will have to beat Galatasaray at home next Wednesday and likely hope that other results go their way if they are to avoid another two matches that will involve more cost for any supporters wanting to watch them home or away.

City captains Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Rodri agreed collectively that they should at least give any fans who travelled out to Norway their money back for the game and the gesture of £9,357 is at least token compensation after an expensive trip. "Our supporters mean everything to us," they said.

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"We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away and we will never take it for granted. They are the best fans in the world.

"We also recognise that it was a lot of travelling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the pitch. Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who travelled to Bodo is the least we can do.

"We're ready to fight on Saturday for our game against Wolves and than again next Wednesday when we face Galatasaray in front of our amazing fans at the Etihad."

Speaking on behalf of the Official Supporters Club, Kevin Parker said: "Manchester City fans will travel to the ends of the earth to support our team, and last night was on different in the Arctic Circle. Bodo is not an easy place to get to, and the sub zero temperatures made it a challenging evening on a number of levels for our fans.

"The City support has an incredible connection with the players on a matchday, and this gesture is yet another reminder of that relationship - it means a lot to us. We know that the players are disappointed with the defeat to Bodo, but with our next game at home on Saturday there's a chance to get back to winning ways and out fans will be in full voice, backing the team as they always do.