Manchester City has become the protagonist of a new wave of ridicule after the controversial match against Liverpool at Anfield. The “skyblues” fans took advantage of the hostile environment to display huge inflatable plastic bananas, a tradition of humor that dates back to the eighties and which, according to the press, will be repeated at the Etihad in front of PSG. The move, seen as an irony of the club's supposed superiority, has sparked controversy amid allegations of financial irregularities that the team continues to appeal to the Premier League's independent panel of judges.
The banana gesture is not new. It originated in the 1980s when a fan improvised a prank using an inflatable banana in the stands at Maine Road, City's former stadium. Since then, fans have used inflatable objects, from giant animals to bananas, as a way of self-criticism and distancing themselves from the tension that often exists in English stadiums. In the case of Anfield, City fans celebrated the 0‑3 with enthusiasm, surrounded by bananas, while Liverpool fans chanted “Cheats” and “Going down”, provoking a reaction that many considered a farce.
The match, which became one of Liverpool's bloodiest defeats in the Premier League era, was marred by the expulsion of Gravenberch and the lack of key players such as Isak and Gakpo. City, with million-dollar signings such as Haaland, Cherki and Doku, took advantage of the situation to impose itself and, according to the media, to reinforce the perception that its victories are based on questionable practices. The absence of a concrete sanction for the alleged financial irregularities has allowed the fans to continue with their jokes, which, according to journalists, adds a layer of irony to the situation.
The independent panel of judges continues to review allegations of breaches of the Premier League's financial control rules. Meanwhile, City continues to celebrate its triumphs in the same provocative tone, with the local press pointing out that every victory, whether in the league or the Champions League, is marred by the suspicion that the club's successes have been obtained at the expense of the rules. The Anfield DJ, for his part, closed the day with “Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac, adding a touch of irony to the atmosphere.
In conclusion, the tradition of inflatable bananas and the provocative attitude of Manchester City fans have generated a debate about the legitimacy of their triumphs amid accusations of financial irregularities. The lack of a definitive sanction has allowed the club and its followers to continue with their jokes, while the judges' commission continues to investigate. The next step will be the publication of the commission's decision, which could change the outlook for City and its competitors in the Premier League.