Man City fans sent Etihad bananas demand by Enzo Maresca for Ipswich Premier League clash

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has urged supporters to bring their inflatable bananas to the Etihad Stadium when his side host Ipswich Town on Saturday, hoping to see the stands filled with a symbol of defiance amid the club's ongoing financial controversy.

City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations considered by an independent commission. The club deny wrongdoing and have appealed the verdict, with the case continuing to attract widespread attention. 

Supporters responded to the controversy with a colourful show of loyalty during the 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, waving inflatable bananas as they backed their team in a hostile atmosphere.

Maresca believes the gesture has helped bring the club's players, supporters and wider organisation closer together, and wants the display to continue at City's first Premier League home game since the verdict.

Maresca calls on Man City fans to bring inflatable bananas

“It's very nice. I didn't know the history behind the banana, but I hope tomorrow I can see many bananas in the stadium,” Maresca said ahead of the Ipswich match.

“I think it creates a nice environment for the fans and for everyone that is in the stadium.”

The Italian also highlighted the sense of unity that has emerged during a difficult period for the club, referencing comments from defender Ruben Dias about the reaction to City's success.

“I think probably since the noise, I can see from my personal point of view, the fans, the club, the team, more together for sure,” he added.

The craze dates back to 1987, when a Manchester City supporter brought an inflatable banana to a match at Maine Road. 

The idea was linked to former City forward Imre Varadi, who was nicknamed “Imre Banana”, and other supporters soon joined in. The tradition has now returned as fans look to lift the mood and show their support. 

Maresca's own family have also embraced the revival, with the manager revealing that his four children have already asked him about the inflatables, and they are expected to attend the Ipswich match.

Maresca focused on Ipswich after Man City financial verdict

Despite the attention surrounding the case, Maresca insists the off-field situation has not distracted him from his responsibilities as Manchester City manager.

“I've said many times that I don't feel any kind of stress about the outside situation, because it's something that I don't control,” he said. “I just focus on, again, how we can try to win the next game.”

City arrive after beating Liverpool at Anfield, although Wednesday's 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain provided a reminder that their season will not be without setbacks.

Maresca was pleased with how the club had responded to the scrutiny but stressed that the Ipswich fixture carries the same importance as any other league match.

“I'm very pleased. We handled it quite good, all together, the club, the fans, the team, everyone,” he said.

“But Saturday's game is a three-point game, exactly the same points as Anfield. So that's why it's important to continue on our run and try to win.”

FGG Says: Inflatable bananas offer Man City fans a way to show unity

The return of the inflatable bananas gives City supporters a light-hearted way to respond to a serious period for the club. The tradition connects the current fanbase with an earlier era in City's history, while offering a visible show of solidarity.

Maresca's request also gives the home crowd an opportunity to create a distinctive atmosphere as the team attempts to maintain its strong league form. However, the financial case remains unresolved, and the appeal means the legal process is still ongoing.