Man City fans boo Premier League and UCL anthems at Etihad

The Etihad again saw boos directed at the Premier League and Champions League anthems before kick-off, and the reaction was sharper in the Saturday match against Ipswich. The backdrop is the club’s guilty verdict for breaching Premier League financial rules.

Season-ticket holder Dave Wilson told BBC Sport: “I can’t remember a Premier League or Champions League home game where the anthems haven’t been booed.” He added that the noise was likely heightened because it was the first home game since the [guilty verdict] announcement.

The resentment traces back to February 2023, when the 115 charges were first reported. In the same period, Everton were deducted 10 points (reduced to six on appeal) for breaking profit and sustainability rules. Everton supporters responded at Goodison Park by booing the league pre-match anthem and holding up red cards with “corrupt” under the Premier League logo.

City’s disputes also extend further into UEFA territory, including fines after complaints over racial abuse involving Mario Balotelli, a penalty for returning one minute late vs Sporting, and in 2014 a £49m punishment and Champions League squad limit. Wilson said City fans feel they are being targeted, “rightly or wrongly”, and the boos are expected to continue before kick-off.