Manchester City issue apology for 'administrative error' regarding sun cream policy

Manchester City have apologised to supporters after a tweet told fans they couldn’t take sunscreen into the Etihad Stadium.

The Premier League Champions returned the Etihad Stadium for the first time on Saturday, beating newly promoted Bournemouth 4-0, courtesy of goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne.

Pep Guardiola's side overcame the Cherries in blistering conditions, as the United Kingdom once again was hit with sweltering temperatures.

In Manchester, temperatures at the weekend reached over 30 degrees celsius, as the Premier League introduced cooling breaks to help players and officials manage in the extreme heat.

Match referee David Coote stopped the fixture midway through each half, as players had to compete with warm conditions.

Officials at the Etihad Stadium also changed policy for supporters, with match-going fans allowed to take a bottle of water into the stadium, due to the high temperatures.

However, Manchester City had come under fire online ahead of the match, after fans were originally advised that they would be unable to take sun cream into the Etihad Stadium.

The twitter account @mancityhelp replied to a supporter: “Sun cream will not be permitted on entry into the stadium.

“We advise supporters to apply this before coming and to bring a hat and water.”

The reply led to a backlash from supporters, as well as from leading skin cancer charity Melanoma UK.

City have since apologised for an 'administrative error' and clarified the clubs sunscreen policy in a statement, as per The Athletic.

“Manchester City can confirm that supporters were allowed to bring sun cream into the Etihad Stadium at Saturday’s match. 

“The tweet in question, which was published in reply to an enquiry on the club’s matchday twitter account was incorrect, and we would like to apologise to supporters for this administrative error. 

“The health and safety of supporters is our priority and we will ensure that internal processes are reviewed following this matter.”

Pep Guardiola handed marquee summer signing Erling Haaland his debut at the weekend, with the Norwegian assisting Ilkay Gundogan for the Blues' first goals, one week after scoring twice against West Ham United.

City's next home match is against Crystal Palace on Saturday 27th August, with matches away to Newcastle United and Barcelona prior to that fixture.