Thursday 21 February 2019 15:29, UK
A Manchester City fan is in a critical condition after an alleged assault following their game against Schalke on Wednesday night.
City staff have stayed in Germany to support the 32-year-old fan, who Essen and Gelsenkirchen Police say has suffered a life-threatening "massive brain injury" and is being treated in hospital.
The translated statement read: "Shortly before the end of yesterday's Champions League encounter in the Veltins Arena at 22.50 on the promenade in front of the guest fan block S1 there was a violent clash between two supporters of Schalke and Manchester City.
"In the wrangling, a 32-year-old Englishman was hit by a blow that caused him to fall to the ground. In this fall, he suffered a massive brain injury.
"An emergency ambulance took him to the local emergency medical centre for treatment at a local hospital. There is currently acute danger to life.
"The police have set up a murder commission to investigate the facts and look for witnesses who can provide information on the facts and/or the perpetrators."
Meanwhile, a City club statement read: "Manchester City are aware of an alleged assault after the match at the Veltins Arena in Germany last night.
"The club are working with Greater Manchester Police and German Police to ascertain more information.
"Club staff have remained in Germany to support the family of an injured City fan who is currently in a critical condition in hospital.
"Anyone with information that can help the Police should contact 101."
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of an assault that occurred following the Schalke v Manchester City fixture at the Veltins Arena in Germany last night.
"A British man is currently in hospital in a critical condition and we are working alongside the football clubs and German authorities to support their investigation and the man's family in any way we can.
"We would urge anyone with information to contact us on 101 or via Live Chat so that we can share intelligence with our colleagues in Germany."
The alleged assault followed City's 3-2 victory over Schalke in the Champions League, when Pep Guardiola's side scored two goals in the last five minutes to claim victory in the first leg of the last 16.
Last season, Liverpool supporter Sean Cox was attacked by a Roma fan and subsequently left with brain injuries before the sides met in the Champions League semi-finals at Anfield.
