Liverpool fans are gearing up to welcome Manchester City with an intense atmosphere during their Premier League match on Sunday. The encounter at Anfield is expected to feature red flares, smoke-filled pyrotechnics, vocal chants, and provocative banners.
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The hostility stems from City’s recent conviction for breaching over 100 financial regulations, which has angered Liverpool supporters. An independent commission found that City and their Emirati owners engaged in “sham” deals that inflated revenues and minimized costs by over 900 million pounds ($1.2 billion) from 2009 to 2018. City denies the allegations and has appealed the decision.
This match marks City's first after receiving this ruling, which could have significant implications for the future of English football. City’s past successes during this period, including three league titles, have added to the resentment from Liverpool fans who have struggled to compete effectively.
Fans were recently reminded of the rivalry during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Tottenham, where United supporters taunted City. Liverpool's supporters, eager to show their discontent, have taken to social media to express their anger toward City.
The Liverpool supporters group Spion Kop 1906 urged fans to arrive early, equipped with flags and scarves, to create a formidable atmosphere from the outset. They emphasized the importance of collective support to energize their team.
Additionally, a social media campaign encouraging fans to gather near Anfield for a bus greeting of the Manchester City players has gained traction. One post provocatively labeled the match as “LFC vs Cheats.”
Merseyside Police have confirmed an appropriate operation will be in place to manage the expected crowd and tensions surrounding the match. This is not the first time Liverpool fans have created a contentious environment for City; in 2018, bottles and flares were thrown at City’s team bus upon its arrival at Anfield, resulting in a fine for Liverpool from UEFA.
Dom Farrell, author of a book on City’s rise, predicts a "massively hostile" environment. Meanwhile, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville described the upcoming matchup as potentially “brutal” for City, warning that they should brace for an unprecedented reception from Liverpool fans.