Why were Manchester City fans waving bananas at Anfield against Liverpool

During Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, a peculiar sight emerged. Hundreds of Manchester City supporters in the away section were waving inflatable bananas. This unexpected gesture sparked curiosity among spectators. The banana tradition, however, is deeply rooted in Manchester City's history, dating back nearly four decades.

The story began in 1987 when a fan named Frank Newton borrowed an inflatable banana from a friend and brought it to a match at Maine Road. Initially, it was merely a lighthearted addition, but it soon gained popularity among the supporters. Around the same time, Manchester City striker Imre Varadi became a fan favorite. During a match, fans chanting for him to come on as a substitute began calling him "Imre Banana."

This playful nickname caught on, and eventually, hundreds of inflatable bananas started appearing at Manchester City matches. The tradition gained particular traction during the late 1980s when City were playing in England's second division. The presence of bananas became a symbol of the club's journey from lower leagues to the Premier League's premier stage.

However, this time around, the banana display carried a different message. Manchester City were playing their first Premier League match since an independent commission found the club guilty of serious financial rule breaches. The club had appealed the decision and vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Liverpool supporters responded with hostility, displaying banners and chants accusing City of wrongdoing.

Yet, the traveling City fans had their own way of asserting their loyalty. By bringing back the inflatable bananas, fans paid tribute to Manchester City's humble beginnings in the lower tiers of English football. The bananas served as a reminder of the club's difficult years in the Second and Third Divisions, as well as the unwavering support of its fans.

It was a tribute to the club's past and a demonstration of loyalty and defiance amidst the ongoing financial controversy. Manchester City's history was not just about wealth and titles; it was about perseverance and the enduring spirit of its supporters. The inflatable bananas at Anfield served as a powerful symbol of this message.