City players already know the sort of reception they can expect at opposition grounds following the verdict in the club’s financial case.
Elliot Anderson discovered that almost as soon as he became a Man City player. The £116m summer signing was targeted by a Crystal Palace supporter at Selhurst Park in August, before the independent commission’s findings became public.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Anderson was walking towards the dressing room when a supporter shouted: “Elliot, one-one-five: are you sure?”
Anderson took a moment to register the reference before turning towards the supporter, laughing and continuing on his way.
Man City players face a different reality after verdict
The MEN points out that City’s players have been hearing chants and abuse referencing the charges at opposition grounds for more than three years. What has changed is the context in which they will now hear them.
City have since been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges they faced, although the club reject the findings and have lodged an appeal. No sanction has yet been imposed.
The fallout won’t be confined to those responsible for running the club. City’s players will inevitably hear plenty about the verdict from opposition stands, despite having had no involvement in the historic matters examined by the commission.
Anderson’s encounter at Selhurst Park offered a small preview. City’s first Premier League away game since the verdict will provide a much bigger stage.
Enzo Maresca’s side travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday, where one of English football’s most intense away environments will provide the first indication of how the atmosphere around City has changed since the commission delivered its findings.
The players have heard the chants a thousand times before. At Anfield, they will almost certainly have an extra edge.
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