Manchester City cause a stink by spraying Etihad Stadium pitch with garlic to protect it from parasites

  • Ground staff covered the turf with litres of liquid on Wednesday night
  • Manchester City say pitch is at risk of parasites infecting the grass
  • Garlic is spread as a preventive measure across City Football Academy 

Manchester City are spraying the Etihad Stadium pitch with garlic to prevent parasites damaging their pristine surface.

Ground staff could be seen covering the turf with litres of liquid after Wednesday night’s thumping 4-0 Champions League group stage win over Borussia Monchengladbach.

That left a surprising stench in and outside the stadium long after supporters had travelled home - but for good reason.

Manchester City sprayed the Etihad with garlic to prevent parasites damaging the pitch

Manchester City sprayed the Etihad with garlic to prevent parasites damaging the pitch

Ground staff undertook the measure after the 4-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach

Ground staff undertook the measure after the 4-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach

City recognise most pitches are potentially at risk of parasites infecting grass, eating roots and as such damaging the top.

Local rivals Manchester United are thought to have had a worm problem at Old Trafford last year and used similar methods.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 

September 17: Bournemouth (H)

September 21: Swansea (A)

September 24: Swansea (H)

September 28: Celtic (A)

October 2: Tottenham (A) 

City spread the garlic as a preventative measure, something which should also be on show after they face Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

The numerous pitches at their plush training base over the road, City Football Academy, are also regularly given the treatment.

It is something they have undertaken since moving into the CFA two years ago, with garlic sprayed as a way of fumigating the soil to curb any parasitical threat.

 The procedure left a stink after Pep Guardiola's side made winning start in Champions League

 The procedure left a stink after Pep Guardiola's side made winning start in Champions League

Numerous pitches at the City Football Academy training base are regularly given treatment

Numerous pitches at the City Football Academy training base are regularly given treatment

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now