The Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield stood out as much for the reactions from the stands as for the struggle on the pitch. Liverpool fans booed Manchester City players from the moment they came out for their pre-match warm-up.
The background to the reaction lies in the decision that Manchester City was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules more than 100 times over a nine-season period. Because the decision, announced after a four-year investigation, coincided with the international break, the reaction of rival fans was reflected on the pitch to this extent for the first time.
According to reports in the British press, the City team bus reached the stadium via a detour to avoid the heavy fan reception around Anfield. However, the protest in the stands began when the visiting team took the pitch and continued every time City players had possession of the ball in the first part of the match.
The impact of the decision was also felt around the stadium. It was reported that street vendors sold T-shirts and flags prepared with Oasis-inspired designs featuring the word "cheat," and banners targeting Manchester City were unfurled inside the stadium.
News Source: 12punto
