Why did Manchester City fans wave inflatable bananas in win over Liverpool in Premier League?
(Courtesy :Â Getty)
Man City fans were holding inflatable bananas during the game.
During Manchester Cityâs triumph over Liverpool FC in matchday 6 of the Premier League 2026-27, some fans waved inflatable bananas aloft. What appears to be a vulgar jest at first glance demonstrated a deeper significance.
Sky Blues fans originally sought bananas at a difficult time for the team. A fan called Frank Newton initially made a fake banana in the stands during a home game against Plymouth Argyle at the former Maine Road stadium in 1987-88.
The gesture was a reference to Manchester City hero Imre Varadi, who scored 31 goals in 81 games and was nicknamed âImre Bananaâ by a fan. With the teamâs decline during that time, City fans turned to gallows humour to divert themselves from the dull action on the pitch.
Revealed why Man City fans waved bananas against Liverpool
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Chants for the striker followed, and the bananas caught on. On Boxing Day that year, 10,000 fans are alleged to have attended an away match against Stoke City armed with various bananas.
Beyond Manchester, English football was at a low point. Large crowds of violent fans packed collapsing stadiums. Hooliganism was so pervasive that several clubs were temporarily barred from participating in European championships.
The ban followed the Heysel incident in 1985, in which 39 people were killed as a consequence of fan violence during the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus Turin. Another tale claims that the banana initially emerged during a Manchester City game to raise spirits.
City players booed during Liverpool game
When Manchester Cityâs star-studded team took onto the pitch, the Redsâ fans booed Erling Haaland and his teammates. Banners also mentioned the clubâs numerous financial breaches.
Outside the stadium, fans on both sides hurled insulting gestures and slurs in a heated argument. As the team van came, Liverpool fans yelled, âYou cheating b*stards, you know exactly what you are.â
Why did Manchester City wave inflatable bananas in a win over Liverpool?
It was a gesture towards their former star Imre Varadi, who was nicknamed âImre Banana.â
Who won the game between City and Liverpool?
City won the game 3-0.
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