Maresca backs City celebrations after Anfield win amid financial verdict fallout

City celebrate emphatic win as scrutiny continues

Enzo Maresca defended Manchester City’s celebrations at Anfield after his side beat Liverpool 3-0 on Sunday. The victory, secured by goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, came in City’s first match since an independent commission found the club guilty of charges relating to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. City deny wrongdoing and have appealed.

Asked about criticism of the celebrations, Maresca said: “We won 0-3 at Anfield. What do you want us to do?” He said the squad was concentrating on its next game and that matters beyond the pitch were “things from outside which we need to deal with”.

The Guardian’s weekend assessment described the win as both vindication for City’s players and an uncomfortable moment for the Premier League, arguing that the unresolved case continues to cast a shadow over the competition. At Anfield, Liverpool supporters taunted City over the verdict, while the visiting players celebrated with their travelling fans after the final whistle.

Appeal remains pending

City captain Ruben Dias backed Maresca, saying the team would celebrate a win at Anfield in any circumstances. He said the players had spoken together after the verdict emerged and had reached a shared understanding before returning their attention to football.

City lodged their appeal on October 1. Sky Sports reported that the appeal process is expected to be heard by a new three-person panel, with the rules introduced this season setting a 12-week period for an appeal to be heard. Maresca said he was calm about matters he could not control and would focus on training and matches.