‘Cheats’: Liverpool fans give hostile welcome to Manchester City

The atmosphere at Anfield was intensely hostile for Manchester City as they returned to Premier League action with a 3-0 victory over Liverpool. This marked their first league game since the club was hit by formal accusations of financial irregularities.

Home supporters made their feelings clear immediately, with merchandise appearing around the stadium featuring slogans such as "Cheats," "Bastards," and "Shamchester." Throughout the match, the visitors were met with loud jeers, though they remained focused enough to secure a decisive win thanks to goals from Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, and Rayan Cherki.

The hostility is rooted in the potential sporting consequences of the ongoing financial case. Reports suggest that City could face severe sanctions, including the stripping of titles won between 2009 and 2018. If such measures were enforced, Liverpool could potentially be awarded the Premier League crowns from the 2013-2014 and 2018-2019 seasons, where they finished as runners-up.

In a defiant response, the travelling City fans brandished inflatable bananas. This gesture revives a club tradition from the 1987-1988 season, initially created to inject positivity into English football during a period marred by hooliganism and the exclusion of English clubs from European competitions. The City supporters appeared to take some solace in their team's performance, leaving Anfield with the win.