Cherki faces fan criticism after donning Liverpool shirt during FA Cup tie
Manchester City's Rayan Cherki has drawn criticism from supporters after being filmed putting on a Liverpool shirt while on the substitutes' bench during Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final. The incident occurred in the latter stages of City's emphatic victory over their rivals at the Etihad Stadium, with the match still ongoing. According to footage widely circulated on social media, the French midfielder, who had been substituted just minutes earlier, was seen struggling to put on the jersey of Liverpool and France teammate Hugo Ekitike, with whom he had apparently swapped shirts before the final whistle.
Cherki, who joined City from Lyon in the summer of 2024, quickly realized he was being filmed in close-up and promptly removed the Liverpool shirt. The act has been perceived poorly by a section of the City fanbase, who viewed it as a lack of respect in the heat of a high-stakes derby clash. The club has not issued any official comment on the matter, but the images have sparked considerable debate in the aftermath of the match.
The 22-year-old playmaker had been a key figure in the 4-0 victory, delivering a brilliant performance that included an assist. His on-field contribution was overshadowed, however, by the post-match controversy. Such shirt-swapping incidents before a game has concluded are rare and often frowned upon, as they are seen to undermine the competitive integrity of the moment, especially in a fixture with the historical tension of City versus Liverpool.
This is not the first time Cherki's off-pitch actions have attracted attention. Since his high-profile move to the Premier League champions for a reported fee of €65 million, he has occasionally made headlines for his flamboyant personality, though his talent has never been in doubt. His adaptation on the field has been largely successful, cementing a role as an important creative outlet in Pep Guardiola's squad.
The reaction from pundits and fans alike highlights the intense scrutiny players at top clubs face, where actions off the ball are dissected as much as those on it. For City, who remain in contention for a historic treble this season, the focus will quickly return to football, with a Champions League quarter-final on the horizon. The incident is unlikely to result in any formal disciplinary action from the club, but it serves as an unwelcome distraction. It remains a minor controversy in an otherwise dominant season, but one that underscores the relentless spotlight on modern footballers.
