Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 8y

Man City's Vincent Kompany, United's Luke Shaw sorry for ICC cancellation

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany and Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw have apologised to fans after their International Champions Cup game in Beijing was cancelled.

The game was called off 12 hours before kickoff because of concerns about the state of the pitch at the Bird's Nest Stadium.

The Chinese capital has been hit by storms in recent days and after another significant downpour overnight, the ICC and both clubs decided to call off the match because of worries about player safety.

Thousands of fans were already gathering outside the Bird's Nest Stadium to see what would have been the first ever Manchester derby outside Britain.

Kompany said: "It's sad for us, it's sad for our fans. Obviously it's disappointing because we looked forward to playing a derby in Beijing for a long time.

"We had our groundsman working for 10 days on the pitch, but the conditions were just too dangerous for the players.

"It's sad to call it off, but I think mainly we want to thank all the fans for their passion, for the way they've received us in Beijing since we've been here.

"It's a big disappointment for us. There are things in life that you don't control and, as we say in Manchester, we just get on with it, and I think it builds up for the next time we come around for an even bigger event."

United defender Shaw said: "Hi guys, just a little message from me to say how sorry we are that the game has been called off.

"Obviously I know you are all disappointed, but as players we are all very disappointed too.

"We come out here to play in front of all of you fans, we know how much you love us all. We love playing in front of you lot.

"We are so sorry. If we could change it ... we want to play right now. But that's the final decision and we can't play.

"Hopefully we will see you all soon. Thank you."

City now fly to Shenzhen for another ICC Cup match with German side Borussia Dortmund while United will fly back to England.

"We have to get on with it, we move on to Shenzhen, and I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to get some good game-time in and obviously see our fans over there," Kompany added.

"It's been a special experience and everything in China has been greater than life itself almost, it's been a truly a unique experience and it's hard to put it into words when a big event like this is not happening, but I do feel it's not the last time we will come to Beijing.

"If we're patient, like Chinese people are, then good things will come around again and we'll be here again."

The City captain would not have featured against United as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.

But he is looking forward to seeing Pep Guardiola's impact on the side in the game against Dortmund after the new manager took over at the beginning of the summer.

"I might be watching it from a distance still at the moment, but there's a lot to learn out of games like this, so I'm looking forward to it," he added.

^ Back to Top ^