fans are celebrating their following their .
And along with their , supporters from the blue side of Manchester are cheering the victory in their own special way – with inflatable bananas.
But whilst the sight of the inflatable fruit in the stands is all fun and games, the tradition actually has its roots in a dark period of English .
Let’s take a look at the Manchester City folklore.
Why do Manchester City supporters have inflatable bananas?
The inflatable banana tradition amongst Manchester City fans started at their old Maine Road stadium in the 1980s.
The decade saw hooliganism mar the English game alongside numerous incidents of racial abuse aimed at black players.
One of the most high profile cases of racial abuse was that suffered by after he joined Liverpool from Watford in 1987.
Barnes endured racist chants from rival supporters and banana skins were even thrown his way.
So, in an attempt to restore some fun back into the game that had been lost due to some of the appalling actions on the terraces, Manchester City fan Frank Newton decided to bring an inflatable banana to the club’s home game against Plymouth Argyle in August 1987.
The inspiration came when Frank visited his friend and toy collector Allen Busby who had a five foot inflatable banana amongst his exhibits at home.
Busby loaned Newton the banana on the condition he could provide proof it had actually been taken to the game.
Given it was a hot summer afternoon, Newton decided to remove his shirt and put it on the banana, with even a face drawn and a bobble hat added for effect.
And ever since then, the inflatable banana has cemented its place in Manchester City folklore.
The inflatable is particularly prominent at cup finals and other important fixtures.
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