Pep Guardiola urges Man City fans not to boo Champions League anthem

City take on Inter on Saturday night in Istanbul in what could be a historic night for the club, as if they win they will have completed a rare treble following their triumphs in the Premier League and FA Cup.

Both sets of supporters will no doubt generate a great atmosphere in the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, but the evening could get off to a dour start with City fans expected to jeer the Champions League anthem in protest against UEFA.

The Citizens have done this for many years for various reasons, but earlier this week captain Ilkay Gundogan suggested to fans that the team need to hear a more positive sound ahead of kick-off – given the successful impact it had for the FA Cup final.

‘Our fans are going to be so important for us again this weekend, as they always are. You only have to look at Saturday’s match at Wembley to show you how vital they are to our performance,’ the midfielder said.

‘Our fans were amazing from start to finish. Hearing them sing Blue Moon in the tunnel, the deafening atmosphere as we walked out onto the pitch to a sea of blue, the Poznan as we waited for the match to start on the pitch, it was incredible and, in my opinion, helped us score after 13 seconds.

‘To score that early was an unbelievable feeling and it felt like a reward for how amazing our fans were. Now we need them again in Istanbul.

‘From the moment we wait in the tunnel, as we line-up on the pitch and during the whole game, we need that positive noise again. We know our fans will be there for us and we will give everything to make them proud.’

It has been suggested that instead of booing, fans should do the Poznan, where they turn their backs on the pitch, link shoulders and jump on the spot, when the anthem is played.

And Guardiola seems to share this sentiment, telling reporters in his pre-match press conference on Friday: ‘I agree with Ilkay, it is a day to celebrate.

‘Inter fans, City fans, a day to be happy. Celebrate being here. Finish, what happens in the past is the past.

‘It’s an incredible competition, UEFA organise it, we support unconditionally what they’re doing. We aren’t going to boo again and have fun.’

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