Man City head to Anfield after commission finds club guilty of majority of charges
October 9, 2026 16:30
Manchester City will visit Anfield on Sunday under a charged atmosphere after an independent commission found the club guilty of the majority of the 115 financial charges the Premier League brought against them. City insist they are innocent and a verdict on their appeal awaits.
OPENING CONTEXT
The finding comes days before a high-profile clash with Liverpool, where a hostile reception is widely expected. Posters on social media have advertised a 'Bus Greeting' on Anfield Road, and Merseyside Police said an appropriate policing plan will be in place.
KEY QUOTES AND SETTING
Current City boss Enzo Maresca said on Friday that the club's titles are "absolutely not" tainted. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola described the match as: "It's an exciting game... We will go for the game, they will go for it and it will be quite an open game and we have to be ready." Iraola added that he knew the fixture would be "challenging" and insisted Liverpool are "very good".
This will be the first meeting between the clubs since 2015 to feature neither Jurgen Klopp nor Pep Guardiola on the touchline. Liverpool chairman Tom Werner is expected to be in attendance.
SPORTING CONTEXT
City have started the Premier League campaign with five wins from five. For Liverpool and Iraola, the match is viewed as an opportunity to kickstart their season.
HISTORICAL AND FAN REACTIONS
The rivalry intensified after City's takeover in 2008 and previous seasons have seen Liverpool finish second to City on multiple occasions. John Achterberg, Liverpool's former goalkeeping coach, told The Athletic that memories of narrowly missing titles to City leave some feeling aggrieved.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON SUNDAY
A ferocious atmosphere is anticipated at Anfield, reflecting both the sporting rivalry and recent off-field developments. Merseyside Police say they have a policing plan; organisers and clubs have not detailed security measures publicly.