Liverpool fans jeer Manchester City as Anfield hosts first game since financial ruling

Manchester City players were subjected to sustained booing by Liverpool supporters at Anfield, in the club’s first match since being found guilty of more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.

The Premier League ruling was issued last month after a four-year investigation and covered a period of nine seasons. It came during the international break, meaning supporters of rival clubs had not previously had an opportunity to direct their anger towards the Manchester City team.

That changed on this afternoon’s visit to Liverpool in the sixth round of the Premier League, according to The Sun.

Manchester City’s team bus avoided the main reception from Liverpool supporters by taking a circuitous route to the stadium. However, the players were met by loud jeers when they came on to the pitch for their pre-match warm-up.

The reaction intensified once the long-awaited meeting between the former champions began. Manchester City were booed whenever they gained possession during the opening stages of the first half.

The verdict against Manchester City followed an investigation into more than 100 alleged financial-rule violations committed across nine seasons. The ruling was announced during the international break, when rival fans could not express their response directly to the club’s players.

Liverpool supporters also displayed several banners inside Anfield criticising Manchester City over the decision.

Outside the ground, vendors were selling a range of merchandise inspired by Oasis, including shirts and flags carrying the word “cheat”. The items reflected the hostility directed at the visitors before kick-off and during the early part of the match.

The occasion marked Manchester City’s first game since the Premier League’s ruling, while Liverpool provided the opposition at Anfield in the sixth round of the competition.