Massive protest as City take on Liverpool after financial ruling

Manchester City celebrated in the first match after the Premier League’s verdict with a convincing 3-0 win over Liverpool FC, accompanied by massive protests from the Anfield fans. The German international Florian Wirtz, who started for Liverpool, was substituted in the 66th minute after the 0-1.

The independent Premier League commission found Manchester City guilty on all 115 counts of the financial scandal. The ruling was delivered during the international break and relates to breaches between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons. City denies the allegations and has immediately lodged an appeal.

Fan protests in Liverpool

Outside the stadium and inside, LFC fans held up signs with chants such as “Ye Titles are Jarg, ye History is Fake”. During the match, the Manchester visitors were loudly booed at every attack. The atmosphere remained marked by massive hostility until the final whistle.

Iliman Ndiaye, who played up front for Manchester City, had little impact on the game. Only Erling Haaland and his teammates appeared unfazed by the protest backdrop. The early red card significantly weakened Liverpool’s defence.

Richards says criticism fuels City after Anfield triumph

In the 63rd minute Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch received a yellow‑red card. Just a few minutes later, Erling Haaland scored in the 65th minute to make it 1-0. Jeremy Doku added in the 68th minute and Rayan Cherki sealed the 3-0 final score in the 78th minute.

Consequences and possible title stripping

The ten‑time English champions face harsh penalties up to the revocation of multiple titles or a forced relegation. In the 2013/14 season Liverpool finished second behind City and could become champions retroactively in the event of a title stripping. The commission’s decision therefore casts a new light on the past season.

Keane hails Man City’s ‘statement’ win as Liverpool falter at Anfield

Manchester City’s appeal has already been filed, so the final verdict is still pending. Observers are now waiting to see how the decision will affect the standings and the European places.