Why are Manchester City fans waving inflatable yellow bananas? Story behind the tradition explained

Manchester City fans have brought back an unusual tradition from the club's past, with inflatable yellow bananas appearing in the stands during recent Premier League matches. The quirky sight has attracted attention after supporters displayed the props during City's away game against Liverpool and their home fixture against Ipswich Town.

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden even carried an inflatable banana during his post-match interview after the club's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town on October 17.

However, the tradition is not new. It dates back to the late 1980s, when City supporters began bringing inflatable bananas to matches as a humorous way of lifting the mood during a difficult period in the club's history.

Why are Manchester City fans bringing Inflatable Bananas?

The inflatable bananas have become a symbol of Manchester City's fan culture, with their origins linked to former striker Imre Varadi.

Varadi played for City in the late 1980s and earned the nickname 'Imre Banana' from supporters. The nickname inspired fans to bring inflatable bananas to matches, with the trend gaining popularity during the 1987-88 season, when City were competing in the old Second Division following relegation.

The unusual tradition soon became a familiar sight among City supporters. Although it faded over time, inflatable bananas have appeared at matches intermittently over the years. Their recent return has brought renewed attention to a distinctive part of the club's history.

How did the Inflatable Banana tradition begin?

Manchester City's history in the 1980s was very different from the club's modern era of domestic success. The team experienced relegation and promotion during the decade, and supporters often used humour to cope with difficult results.

According to reports tracing the tradition, a supporter brought a large inflatable banana to a match at Maine Road during the 1987-88 season. With Varadi already known as 'Imre Banana' among fans, the idea caught on and more supporters began bringing the props to games.

The bananas became part of the atmosphere at City matches during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The tradition reflected the humour and creativity of supporters during a challenging chapter in the club's history.

Why have Manchester City fans revived the tradition?

The return of the inflatable bananas comes amid renewed scrutiny of Manchester City following the independent commission's findings over the club's financial conduct.

On September 29, 2026, the Premier League announced that an independent commission had found City guilty of charges relating to serious breaches of its financial rules over nine seasons, from 2009-10 to 2017-18. The commission also upheld the majority of charges concerning the club's failure to cooperate with the league's investigation.

Manchester City subsequently appealed the commission's decision, with the appeal process subject to the Premier League's stated procedures.

Against that backdrop, supporters displayed inflatable bananas during City's 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on October 11. The props returned at the Etihad Stadium for the Ipswich game the following weekend, where the home crowd continued the display.

The revival has been seen as a nostalgic gesture and a show of solidarity among supporters during a period of intense scrutiny.

What did Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca say about the Bananas?

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca welcomed the display ahead of the Ipswich fixture. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Maresca said he had not known the history behind the tradition but hoped to see plenty of bananas in the stands.

He described the display as a positive addition to the matchday atmosphere, and supporters duly brought the props to the Etihad Stadium.

Foden's post-match appearance with an inflatable banana after the 3-2 win added another memorable moment to the revival, bringing a decades-old fan tradition back into the spotlight.

The inflatable bananas may look unusual to fans unfamiliar with Manchester City's past, but their return connects the club's present to a period when supporters relied on humour and togetherness during difficult times.