8th September 1962, City vs West Ham at Maine Road. I was 10 years old.
Memories are that we were spanked 6 – 1 and Bert Trautmann was sent off. He was so hacked off about the fifth goal going in that he hurled the ball back towards the centre circle but unfortunately it hit the ref on the back of the head. Bert was summoned to the ref who pointed towards the tunnel (no cards in those days). Bert tore off his green jumper - I think with just one hand –threw it on the ground and marched imperiously to the tunnel. I’m certain that Alan Oakes went in goal for the rest of the game and only let one in, Colin Barlow scored our goal.
As the match approached 90 minutes the ref was edging towards the tunnel, he blew his whistle and ran like f@ck for the dressing room. He only just escaped the pitch invasion but had to be smuggled out of the ground in a laundry basket.
We were relegated that season and the rags won the Cup but nearly 48 years later I’m still here, there really is something about City isn’t there?