Giant bananas in the stands of Manchester City as old tradition returns to address club crisis

Manchester City fans drew attention during their 3-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday in a Premier League clash, as they raised giant inflatable bananas in the stands of Anfield, in a scene that carried a sarcastic message in light of the financial crisis the club is facing.

Around 100 fans attended the match, waving yellow flags over a meter long, which they held up throughout the game, especially during their celebrations for their team's goals, one of which was scored by Frenchman Rayan Cherki in the victory.

This phenomenon does not originate in the present time, but is linked to an old tradition that began in the 1980s, when English fans tried to change the negative image associated with violence and hooliganism in stadiums by introducing a fun atmosphere using inflatable figures shaped like fruits and animals. Historical accounts indicate that the beginning of the giant banana tradition dates back to a match between Manchester City and Plymouth at Maine Road in August 1987, when a fan named Frank Newton brought an inflatable banana over one and a half meters long. The City player at the time, Emre Varadi, was nicknamed "Emre Banana" due to his association with this tradition.

The return of giant bananas to the stands at Anfield comes amid the off-field crisis facing Manchester City, who have been found guilty of around 100 serious financial breaches of Premier League rules between 2009 and 2018. The club faces the prospect of severe penalties, which could include point deductions, hefty fines, or exclusion from the competition, as well as the possibility of being stripped of some titles. In the face of this pressure, City fans have chosen to revive their old tradition, in a sarcastic gesture that reflects their commitment to humor despite the crisis surrounding the club.