Liverpool Fans Give Manchester City a Hostile Reception After Breach Scandal
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Manchester City will travel to Liverpool for their first match since being found guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, with the impact of the verdict on the league leaders still uncertain.
Fan forums have been filled with opinion and strong language, though that is hardly unusual given the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs.
The case over the "sham" commercial contract has loomed over the Premier League for years and could continue for some time, as City have filed an appeal.
How far the controversy carries into the stands at Anfield on Monday (NZT), and into other grounds throughout the season, remains to be seen.
"If they want an understanding of how angry the game is going to be, then Anfield will tell them like you would never believe," former Manchester United captain and England defender Gary Neville declared recently on The Overlap podcast.
"I suspect there may be banners, there will certainly be chanting. There will be a reception like you have never seen for them at Anfield...it will be a brutal day."
Merseyside Police confirmed that an appropriate policing operation would be in place on the day.
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Other commentators noted that Liverpool supporters have branded City cheats ever since the Premier League charged the club in February 2023.
"Man City players already know what rival fans will do amid charges fallout," read a headline in the Manchester Evening news on Monday.
"City players won't necessarily be walking into anything new when they resume their club duties this weekend," wrote the paper's chief City reporter.
"It is not going to be pretty, but it will be a surprise if it catches the players off guard given how used to the abuse they are."
City remain unbeaten and sit three points clear of champions Arsenal at the top of the table, and five ahead of third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.
Even if Arsenal beat Leeds United on Saturday, City are likely to remain top by the time of Sunday's match, thanks to a four-goal difference between the sides.
One contributor on the lfcreds.com website suggested the best response would be for Liverpool to beat City on the pitch while the fans make their feelings heard inside Anfield.
"Could this be one of the first games that pretty much everyone in the country wants us to win?," asked another.
