Boos and bananas on day of defiance at Man City

What the report says

Manchester City supporters marked their first Premier League home match since the club was found guilty of breaching financial rules by booing the league anthem at the Etihad Stadium before backing their team in a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, according to BBC Sport Football. The atmosphere shifted from protest to support as tens of thousands of fans later chanted for City, while waving inflatable bananas placed on seats around the ground.

The result moved City six points clear at the top of the Premier League and extended their perfect start under new manager Enzo Maresca to seven wins from seven league games. BBC Sport said this is City’s best league start in 129 years, and it is also the first time a Premier League manager has won his opening seven matches in charge. Maresca said he could sense the fans’ defiance before kick-off and praised the connection between the crowd, the players and the club.

Phil Foden scored the opener in the first half on his return after suspension, with BBC Sport reporting that it was his first goal of 2026. Foden said the home support gave the team extra energy, while Maresca said he was pleased with the way his players controlled the match despite the wider off-field pressure surrounding the club. The article adds context that City are appealing against the financial-rule verdict.