Why Do Manchester City Fans Bring Inflatable Bananas to Anfield?
Inflatable Bananas and Manchester City’s Unique Tradition
Manchester City fans are facing a tough moment as their club deals with serious allegations about financial rule breaches. Their reaction? They’re bringing inflatable bananas to the match at Anfield.
The upcoming Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City is expected to be charged with intense hostility from the crowd. This is City's first game since being found guilty of breaking financial rules between 2009/10 and 2017/18, including questionable sponsorship deals tied to Abu Dhabi. These verdicts came after an independent investigation revealed false testimonies and 'sham' agreements.
Back in the 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool matched Pep Guardiola’s City in fierce title battles. Both times Liverpool scored over 90 points but lost the league by just one point. Although few players from those intense seasons remain, tension on the Kop end is still high.
Speaking before the game, Enzo Maresca, leading City, mentioned their players are ready to handle the pressure. He pointed out that some of their squad have experience playing in environments like Argentina where fan atmospheres are similarly daunting.
The Story Behind the Inflatable Bananas
Manchester City’s odd yet charming tradition with inflatable bananas began in the 1987/88 season. This was right after City had been relegated to Division Two. The origin involves a bit of silly wordplay related to former City striker Imre Varadi. A fan jokingly nicknamed him “Imre Banana.” Another supporter brought an inflatable banana to the next game, sparking a trend among fans.
Other inflatables appeared too, from paddling pools to fried eggs and Frankenstein figures, but bananas stuck around and became iconic. Varadi played for several clubs but is remembered fondly by City fans mostly because of this quirky legacy. He embraced it openly, tweeting on match day that "the bananas are taking over Anfield" and City fans were ready to celebrate.
The tradition also reflects the vibrant cultural scene in Manchester during the late 1980s, when the acid house and Madchester movements flourished. Clubs like the Hacienda symbolized a carefree, energetic youth culture very different from the often violent football environment at the time. Many fans would come to matches still buzzing from nights out, not interested in fighting but just having fun.
“We weren’t interested in fighting. Most of the fans were having a laugh. We were s***, we were in Division Two. When it's fan-led and not club-led, bringing back the bananas can be really good. It'll be a laugh.” – Dante Friend of 1894 fan group
Bananas as Symbols of Defiance and Identity
As Manchester City faces backlash from recent allegations, the inflatable bananas stand as a symbol of defiance. The club’s history stretches back to 1894, featuring many highs and lows before Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008 drastically changed its direction. Now, with accusations threatening to alter that path again, fans cling to traditions that remind them of their enduring identity.
In the past, when City struggled through difficult decades, inflatable bananas marked celebrations of promotions and successes. They’ve been part of pitch invasions and joyous moments at the Etihad Stadium too. Whatever the club’s fortunes, the bananas represent a lighthearted spirit that many supporters cherish.
Sunday’s game will showcase the traveling fans’ determination. Before the era of massive spending, humor and sarcasm were key weapons for City followers. They’re not afraid to embrace that spirit now.
“The message is obviously defiance. We don't give a f— who the owners are, we are the club. The fans are the club.” – Dante Friend
