Manchester City return to Premier League action at Anfield on Sunday with more than three points awaiting them. Liverpool supporters have prepared a hostile reception, with anger focused on the financial-rule allegations hanging over the champions.
The move
City travel to Liverpool for a 17:30 kick-off, their first league fixture since accusations of financial breaches involving the club became a major issue around English football.
At Anfield, some home fans have displayed and sold banners, shirts and scarves carrying messages aimed at the visitors. The slogans include “Cheats”, “Bastards” and “Shamchester”, underlining the mood expected inside the stadium.
Why Liverpool supporters are angry
The reaction is tied to the potential sporting consequences of the case. Manchester City could face major penalties if the allegations lead to sanctions, including the possibility of titles won during the period from 2009 to 2018 being removed.
Such a decision could directly affect Liverpool’s record. The Reds could be awarded two league titles should City lose honours from the relevant years.
The seasons still remembered at Anfield
Liverpool fans have particular reason to look back at two close title races. The 2013-14 campaign remains painful because of Steven Gerrard’s slip during the run-in, a defining image from a season City eventually won.
The 2018-19 race was even tighter. Liverpool finished on 97 points, but City collected 98 to retain the title. The Reds’ total remains among the highest ever achieved by a Premier League runner-up, yet it left them one point short.
