Two men remain in custody after appearing in court over an attack on a Manchester City fan, said the East Flanders public prosecutor.
The incident occurred in Belgium after City beat Club Bruges in a Champions League group game on Tuesday.
The Belgium-based City fan was returning home when he was attacked in Drongen after he challenged someone who had taken his scarf.
The supporter is still in a coma and his condition is described as stable.
“All the club and the organisation, from our chairman Khaldoon [al-Mubarak] and every person, we are with him,” said City manager Pep Guardiola, who wore a T-shirt in honour of the fan at his news conference on Friday prior to his side’s game against Brighton (17:30 BST on Saturday).
“We are quite optimistic because the last hours he is getting better. Of course, he has all the support from the club for what they need with the investigation from our club.
“We are [sending] a big hug for him and all his family and we wish he comes back to Etihad Stadium soon to follow us.”
Five Belgian men, four in their 20s and one in his 40s, were arrested over the incident and appeared in court on Friday.
A statement from the East Flanders public prosecutor said a case of theft by assault and theft by aggravated assault has been opened against one of the suspects and a case intentional assault and battery with incapacity for work has been opened on the part of a second. All five are being investigated for negligence.
Three of the suspects have been released under strict conditions, which include a ban on attending football matches and a ban on being in or near supporters’ cafes.
