During Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Lyon in the Champions League, a fan was seen wearing a VR headset, raising eyebrows among spectators.
The fan, who attended the match at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, appeared more engrossed in his virtual reality content than the live action on the pitch. Images circulating on social media showed the individual wearing a Samsung Gear VR headset, which allows users to connect their Samsung smartphones and experience immersive content. A female companion was also seen looking back at him, although she did not appear to be using a headset.
The incident, captured by the Football Away Days Twitter account, sparked widespread speculation and rumours. Many questioned the fan’s dedication to the team, wondering if he was more of a tourist than a genuine supporter. The tweet by Football Away Days read: ‘Finally seen it all at the Etihad last night #AgainstModernFootball,’ accompanied by images of the fan with the VR headset.
Adding to the speculation, the same individuals were also photographed attending Brighton’s 2-2 draw with Southampton earlier in the week. This led to further rumours on Twitter that the pair were possibly tourists aiming to experience multiple football matches rather than dedicated Manchester City followers.
In the match itself, Lyon led 2-0 by half-time, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory. Bernardo Silva scored the lone goal for Manchester City, who were without their manager on the touchline due to a ban from the previous season. The defeat was a significant blow for the Premier League champions, raising concerns over their performance in the Champions League.
The sight of a fan using a VR headset during a crucial Champions League match has ignited debates about modern football culture and fan engagement. Whether the individual was a tourist or a genuine supporter, the incident highlights how technology is increasingly intersecting with traditional experiences.