Why do Man City fans boo pre-match anthems?

Manchester City supporters have continued their tradition of booing pre-match Premier League and Champions League anthems at the Etihad Stadium. The jeers intensified against Ipswich following the club being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, as well as during a Champions League match against AEK Athens. Supporters' trust representatives and fans noted that the demonstrations reflect widespread anger and a belief among supporters that the club is unfairly targeted.

Disputes with UEFA date back years, including a 2012 racial abuse complaint involving Mario Balotelli and a 2014 Financial Fair Play penalty of £49 million. Although the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned a two-year European competition ban in 2020, tensions have persisted. The club and its fans currently await the outcome of an appeal regarding the Premier League financial verdict.