Man City fans revive inflatable banana tradition after Liverpool win

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 19:44 · Archive

Manchester City supporters have revived the inflatable banana tradition at away matches. Over 1,000 bananas were distributed among fans travelling to Anfield for the club's first fixture since an independent commission found City guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules over a nine-season period between 2009/10 and 2018/19. City deny wrongdoing and have launched an appeal.

The trend originated in August 1987 when Frank Newton brought a five-foot blow-up banana to Maine Road for a match against Plymouth Argyle. The idea was inspired by former City forward Imre Varadi. According to Dante Friend of City fan group 1894, "It was just one guy at the game who referred to him as 'Imre Banana'. A guy called Frank Newton took an inflatable banana to the next game, and then everyone started doing it." The craze faded over time but has now been revived.

Following the 3-0 win over Liverpool, inflatable bananas have been selected for the cover of the Man City matchday programme for Saturday's clash against Ipswich. Manager Enzo Maresca has urged supporters to continue the tradition at the Etihad Stadium. Former City player Varadi, who has launched his own inflatable banana business, reported receiving thousands of orders from around the world.

How it is being reported

• Why do Man City fans bring inflatable bananas to stadiums? Story behind rebirth as Enzo Maresca makes demandEnzo Maresca says he hopes to see “many” inflatable bananas at the Etihad Stadium this weekendEvening Standard · 16 Oct, 19:27
• Man City cult hero making fortune from inflatable banana business amid 114 charges scandalThe Manchester City away end against Liverpool was packed with inflatable bananas as City came out as 3-0 winnersMirror Sport · 16 Oct, 09:08

In this story: Manchester City · Liverpool · Imre Varadi · Frank Newton · Ipswich · Enzo Maresca · Anfield · 1894

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