Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has blasted the Manchester City fans, claiming they do not show enough support for their team during European nights.
The ITV pundit and ex-Three Lions star made these comments prior to the Citizens Champions League clash with Roma, which ended in a 1-1 draw, a game which only recorded an attendance of 37,509.
The 39-year-old Englishman also drew comparison with the atmosphere created at the Etihad during special nights to that of their English Premier Leauge counterparts, and argued they come short to the standards set at Old Trafford and Anfield.
"The crowd need to get behind this team they need to create a special European atmosphere,' Scholes told ITV prior to Tuesday night's game at Etihad.
"I was lucky enough to play at Old Trafford and we always talked about the atmosphere on a Tuesday night, the special atmosphere you create, and the crowd is rocking when you go out for a warm up.
"At quarter past seven and there's empty seats everywhere.
"When you come here it just doesn't have a European night feel to it. You go to Liverpool, you go to Old Trafford, you go to Chelsea, they have a special feeling for it."
Paul Scholes blast Man City fans for not showing enough support for their team during European nights
The former Man United midfielder claims the Citizens lack in comparison to the Old Trafford and Anfield crowds
The Englishman made these comments as Manuel Pellegrini's men hosted Roma in the Champions League, a match which ended in a 1-1 draw
Scholes, who won two Champions League medals during his time with the Red Devils, went on to suggest that Manchester City fans do not fully appreciate the privilege of playing against Europe's best in the coveted tournament.
"Tonight I don't think there is [a special atmosphere]. I don't think they realise what a big game this is.
"They've got the team, they've definitely got the players, the quality is definitely there, but do the crowd realise how lucky they are to be in this competition? I don't think they do."
Former Manchester United team-mate and current QPR center-back Rio Ferdinand also criticized Manuel Pellegrini's side's faithful, questioning whether a stadium expansion was needed.
Former Man United and England captain Rio Ferdinand had this to say about the Man City fans after seeing empty seats for the UCL game vs Roma
How many empty seats are there at the city vs Roma game by the way....big CL game & fans would rather Ramsays Kitchen or something at home
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 30, 2014
Expanding the stadium for what though?? For who though???
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 30, 2014
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