Didsbury Dave
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City in Crisis Talks as “Sultanagate†Overshadows Messi Bid
From Today’s MEN
City in Crisis Talks as “Sultanagate†Overshadows Messi Bid
Stuart Brennan
Manchester City moved today to reassure supporters over the standard of catering at the City of Manchester Stadium. City supporters vented their fury at the flavour of the Chicken Balti pie supplied by new contractors Hollands Pies. Boos were heard from the stands and websites were in meltdown as it was revealed that this pie contained sultanas in addition to the traditional contents of chicken and balti matter. Fans Spokesman Dave Wallace called for the resignation of Mark Hughes;. “Fruit at the football? They’ll be asking us to wear pink dresses and handbags next†he fumed. 19 stone Wallace sampled all the pies on offer and stated “The others were fine, to be honest, but that’s not the point. At least two thirds of City fans choose chicken balti to go with their pints. Sultanas? This abomination is practically a dessert. If I wanted a fruit pie I'd have a Mr Kiplingâ€
City made the extraordinary step of conducting an emergency Press Conference this afternoon. “Supporters can be sure that we listen to their feedback and will take every step to ensure that quality is maintained on the concourse as well as on the field. Although talks will take place between the club and Hollands over the contents of the chicken balti pie, which I understand is a Maine Road tradition, there is no need to panic. If we are to chellenge the top 4 ,we need to move with the times†Said Chief Executive Garry Cook this morning.
Supporters were not placated, though, and the MEN understands there is deep concern amongst the City Hierarchy about the impact this will have on attendances. Less than 30,000 attended Saturday’s game against Celtic and season ticket sales have slowed significantly. Whilst it would technically be possible to produce a bespoke Chicken Balti pie specifically for City, Hollands remained unmoved in the face of a barrage of criticism, and issued this statement last night:
“Hollands are disappointed at the reaction of Manchester City to the chicken balti pie. Only the finest ingredients go into these pies and we have a tradition of supplying football clubs which goes back many years. Even Delia Smith was moved to describe our pies as the best on the market. Just who do City think they are? Not content with ruining football, they appear to believe their money can wipe away years of pie production expertise.â€
This is not the first time that half-time savouries have caused controversy for City fans, who are widely regarded as the most knowledgeable and discerning in the game, piewise. In March 2000 32 fans were arrested after a riot amongst City fans on the concourse at Barnsey’s Oakwell ground. Intelligence revealed later that it was the absence of meat in the Meat and Potato pies which caused the anger amongst City’s notorious “Guvnors†gang.
In addition City today bid £150 million for Lionel Messi from Barcelona. It is unknown whether “Sultana-gate†will impact his decision to join the Blues. Mr Kipling was unavailable for comment.
From Today’s MEN
City in Crisis Talks as “Sultanagate†Overshadows Messi Bid
Stuart Brennan
Manchester City moved today to reassure supporters over the standard of catering at the City of Manchester Stadium. City supporters vented their fury at the flavour of the Chicken Balti pie supplied by new contractors Hollands Pies. Boos were heard from the stands and websites were in meltdown as it was revealed that this pie contained sultanas in addition to the traditional contents of chicken and balti matter. Fans Spokesman Dave Wallace called for the resignation of Mark Hughes;. “Fruit at the football? They’ll be asking us to wear pink dresses and handbags next†he fumed. 19 stone Wallace sampled all the pies on offer and stated “The others were fine, to be honest, but that’s not the point. At least two thirds of City fans choose chicken balti to go with their pints. Sultanas? This abomination is practically a dessert. If I wanted a fruit pie I'd have a Mr Kiplingâ€
City made the extraordinary step of conducting an emergency Press Conference this afternoon. “Supporters can be sure that we listen to their feedback and will take every step to ensure that quality is maintained on the concourse as well as on the field. Although talks will take place between the club and Hollands over the contents of the chicken balti pie, which I understand is a Maine Road tradition, there is no need to panic. If we are to chellenge the top 4 ,we need to move with the times†Said Chief Executive Garry Cook this morning.
Supporters were not placated, though, and the MEN understands there is deep concern amongst the City Hierarchy about the impact this will have on attendances. Less than 30,000 attended Saturday’s game against Celtic and season ticket sales have slowed significantly. Whilst it would technically be possible to produce a bespoke Chicken Balti pie specifically for City, Hollands remained unmoved in the face of a barrage of criticism, and issued this statement last night:
“Hollands are disappointed at the reaction of Manchester City to the chicken balti pie. Only the finest ingredients go into these pies and we have a tradition of supplying football clubs which goes back many years. Even Delia Smith was moved to describe our pies as the best on the market. Just who do City think they are? Not content with ruining football, they appear to believe their money can wipe away years of pie production expertise.â€
This is not the first time that half-time savouries have caused controversy for City fans, who are widely regarded as the most knowledgeable and discerning in the game, piewise. In March 2000 32 fans were arrested after a riot amongst City fans on the concourse at Barnsey’s Oakwell ground. Intelligence revealed later that it was the absence of meat in the Meat and Potato pies which caused the anger amongst City’s notorious “Guvnors†gang.
In addition City today bid £150 million for Lionel Messi from Barcelona. It is unknown whether “Sultana-gate†will impact his decision to join the Blues. Mr Kipling was unavailable for comment.