What Man City players should know before playing Liverpool as police give a heads-up
Manchester City is likely to face a tough welcome when they play Liverpool in their first game since being found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules. But what else can they expect?
This international break has been quite eventful. As many of you probably know, an independent commission has ruled that Manchester City broke serious Premier League financial rules. The club has always said they are innocent and believe they have strong evidence to prove their point.
City’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, mentioned before their trip to Anfield on Sunday that the club’s owners are confident they will win their appeal against the ruling.
Still, it’s going to be a challenging season for City’s players as the fallout from this verdict shakes up football. So, what might happen when they head to Anfield this weekend?
Merseyside Police have responded to a social media post encouraging Liverpool fans to bring “flags, banners, pyros, flares, and Koppabergs” to greet the City team bus before the match. The police say they know about this and will have a solid plan to manage the event.
Back in 2018, City’s team bus had a window smashed near Anfield after Liverpool fans ignored warnings about flares and smoke bombs before a Champions League game.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville expects it will be a “brutal day” for City’s squad, with a very intense atmosphere at Anfield. He said on The Overlap podcast, “If they want to understand how angry things will be, Anfield will show them like never before. There might be banners, chanting, and a reception City have never faced at Anfield… it will be tough.”
City’s players will probably need to tune out boos, chants accusing them of cheating, and negative banners over the coming weeks.
Before the game, City star Erling Haaland encouraged fans to “stick together” and “stay positive” despite the guilty verdict. Speaking to City’s media, he said, “I think the fans traveling to Anfield will have a good time. We have to stay united, support each other, and keep a positive attitude.
“No matter what happens, we should keep smiling, look forward, try to win games, and enjoy ourselves.”
Haaland added, “We need to stick together and spread love. So, let’s enjoy the ride and smile.”