Manchester City fans boo anthem and wave inflatable bananas in Ipswich win

Manchester City fans booed the Premier League anthem and waved inflatable bananas during a record home win over Ipswich, a display of unity as the club appeals a financial breach verdict.

Manchester City fans staged a vocal and visual protest during Saturday's 3-2 win over Ipswich Town, booing the Premier League anthem and waving hundreds of inflatable bananas. The display of defiance came amid the club's appeal against a guilty verdict for historical financial rule breaches, with supporters asserting their right to respond independently.

A record Etihad Stadium crowd of 60,817 witnessed the scene, which also included a banner depicting Frank Gallagher from 'Shameless' giving a two-fingered salute while wearing City gear. The 1894 Group, which organised the banner, said the actions reinforced supporters' right to respond to the situation in their own way. The group criticised the volume of media coverage around the private hearing and stated fans were reluctant to reach conclusions before the appeal outcome is known. A public forum with The Citizens Trust is planned for after the result.

The inflatable banana craze, a flashback to a late-1980s fan phenomenon, was revived after being seen in the away end at Liverpool the previous weekend. Phil Foden acknowledged the backing, saying, "You can tell they are behind us and they're pushing us."

On-pitch perfection continues

On the field, the victory maintained Manchester City's flawless start to the Premier League season, leaving them top of the standings with a perfect 21 points from seven games. They now hold a six-point lead over Arsenal. Phil Foden, returning from a suspension incurred against Manchester United, opened the scoring in the 19th minute for his first goal of 2026. Erling Haaland then netted a brace, taking his season tally to eight goals, to secure the three points despite a late Ipswich consolation penalty.

Manager Enzo Maresca, who took over from the trophy-laden Pep Guardiola, has now won his first seven league games in charge. Only Chelsea in 2005-06 and Liverpool in 2019-20 have made better starts, and both went on to win the title. Maresca was full of praise for Foden. "I said since day one that I love Phil," the City boss told reporters. "I know him from years ago and I know how good he is."

The team's form reads four wins from their last five matches, with the only blemish a 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Their next challenge is a trip to face 12th-placed Aston Villa on 24 October, as they aim to extend a historic winning run.