Gladbach says 'sorry' to absent fans' bosses

Travelling fans stayed in Manchester for an extra day after the match was postponed and Gladbach appealed for clemency on their behalf in letters written in German and English that were left on their seats in the stadium.

Borussia Monchengladbach's director of sport Max Eberl (C) shake hands with fans ahead of the UEFA Champions League group C football match between Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach at the Etihad stadium on Wednesday.

Borussia Moenchengladbach handed out tongue-in-cheek letters of apology to the bosses of the supporters who attended Wednesday's rearranged Champions League game at Manchester City.

The Group C match was postponed on Tuesday due to thunderous downpours at the Etihad Stadium and rescheduled for the following evening.

It meant some travelling fans stayed in Manchester for an extra day and Gladbach appealed for clemency on their behalf in letters written in German and English that were left on their seats in the stadium.

"Dear Sir, Dear Boss," the letter began.

"Unfortunately, your employee (Name) cannot appear at work on this Thursday as he is in Manchester to fulfil the important duty to support VfL Borussia Moenchengladbach in the UEFA Champions League.

"We thank you for being his boss, for accepting his apology to stay away for one day."

The letters carried the signature of the German club's sporting director Max Eberl.

Around 1,600 Gladbach fans turned up for the game on Tuesday, which was postponed 20 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time.

Gladbach expected between 400 and 800 supporters to attend the rearranged fixture.