Why Manchester City Fans Boo the Premier League and Champions League Anthems
BBC Sport explores the reasons behind the booing of pre-match anthems by Manchester City fans.
The Boos at Etihad Stadium
The cacophony of boos greeting the Premier League and Champions League anthems before kick-off has become a regular feature at the Etihad Stadium. After Manchester City was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules in 2023, the jeers from fans were intensified.
A History of Discontent
The roots of this dissatisfaction stretch back to February 2023 when the 115 charges against City for breaching financial rules were first announced. Later that year, Everton faced consequences for breaking profit and sustainability rules, resulting in a 10-point deduction (reduced to six on appeal) and fans booing both the Premier League and UEFA anthems at Goodison Park.
Longstanding Issues with the Premier League
City fans have long held a strained relationship with the Premier League, with boos towards the pre-match anthem a regular occurrence. Wilson, a City season-ticket holder, notes: "The Premier League anthem has been booed by City fans for many years... It was probably heightened on Saturday because it was the first home game since the [guilty verdict] announcement."
Disputes with UEFA
City's animosity towards UEFA extends further back, with disputes arising over issues like racial abuse allegations, late return to the pitch, and Financial Fair Play (FFP) rule breaches. In 2014, City was fined £49m and had its squad size capped for the Champions League after failing FFP regulations. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later overturned the two-year ban from European competitions.