Man City seek sporting justice as Donnarumma's agent urges calm

As the clock ticks towards the 4.30 pm kick‑off at Anfield on 7 October 2026, Merseyside police line the stadium’s approaches while a social‑media post circulates, urging supporters to bring flags, banners, pyrotechnics and even bottles of Kopparberg for a pre‑planned ‘bus greeting’ aimed at Manchester City’s visiting squad.

Appeal and alleged revenue inflation

Manchester City were found guilty of the biggest cheating scandal in British sporting history, a verdict that has rocked the British Premier League since it was announced. The independent commission said the club artificially inflated commercial revenues by £830 million through sham contracts with a range of Abu Dhabi‑based companies. The club has lodged an appeal and continues to insist on its innocence.

Enzo Raiola, the agent of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, told Radio Napoli Centrale that the club has spoken to his client and that “everyone is calm”. He added that the appeal will be pursued and that “sporting justice will take its course” after the upcoming matches against Liverpool and Paris Saint‑Germain.

If the appeal fails, the sanction package could include expulsion from the Premier League, future points deductions, stripping of titles and a transfer ban. Such penalties would leave Donnarumma and his teammates in extreme uncertainty about their futures.

Guardiola bets on a symbolic presence at Etihad before City‑PSG clash

Upcoming fixtures and security measures

Manchester City travel to Liverpool for their first game back since the verdict, with Merseyside police preparing for a potentially hostile reception. Sport’s Mike Keegan reported concerns that the visitors’ team bus could be met with a pre‑planned hostile ‘welcome’. Police have confirmed an “appropriate policing plan” is in place.

Next Wednesday, City will return to the Etihad for their first home European match since the summer departure of Pep Guardiola, who will attend in a show of solidarity. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and the City board will also be present, reinforcing the club’s message of business as usual.

Guardiola leapt to the club’s defence a day after the verdict, and Raiola’s comments further evidence that Manchester City are urging calm and confidence among their players, including Gianluigi Donnarumma.