Manchester City fans brought hundreds of inflatable bananas to the Etihad Stadium as the team faced Ipswich in the Premier League. This display occurred in City's first home game since an independent commission found the club's Abu Dhabi owners systematically breached financial rules from 2009 to 2018.
The club has launched an appeal against the verdict, asserting they possess "irrefutable evidence" to support their stance. Supporters also waved inflatable bananas at Anfield last week when City played Liverpool.
Manager Enzo Maresca expressed his desire to see the bananas at the Etihad, stating he felt it was a strong visual sign against external criticism. The tradition of fans bringing bananas and other inflatables to matches dates back to the late 1980s, a period of difficulty for English football clubs.
The idea was promoted by the City supporters' group 1894, referencing fans bringing fun to the game amidst conflict with football authorities. Maresca noted that since the "noise" surrounding the verdict, he has observed the fans, club, and team becoming "more together for sure."