Man City bananas 'brought fun back', says Varadi

Former Manchester City striker Imre Varadi says it was "brilliant to see" the club's fans waving inflatable bananas at Anfield and feels it "brought a lot of fun back".

Former Manchester City striker Imre Varadi has expressed his delight at seeing the club's supporters revive the iconic inflatable banana tradition during their recent match at Anfield. The sight of hundreds of bananas bouncing in the away end brought back a wave of nostalgia and, according to Varadi, "brought a lot of fun back" to the game. The inflatable banana was a hallmark of Manchester City's fan culture from the late 1980s through the early 1990s, and its reappearance at one of English football's most famous stadiums has sparked widespread conversation among supporters old and new. The tradition is believed to have started in 1988 when City fans first waved inflatable bananas en masse during an away trip to Plymouth Argyle. The quirky gesture quickly caught on and became a symbol of the club's supporters' humor and resilience. For years, bananas could be seen at Maine Road and at away grounds across the country, creating a vibrant and unmistakable visual identity. However, as stadium regulations tightened and football culture evolved, the bananas gradually faded from the terraces. Their return at Anfield, therefore, felt like a meaningful nod to a bygone era. Varadi, who played for City between 1989 and 1991, spoke warmly about the revival. "It was brilliant to see," he said. "That was a different time, when football felt more pure and the bond between fans and players was special. The banana wasn't just a prop; it represented our sense of humor and our never-say-die spirit. It brought back so many great memories and brought a lot of fun back." His comments echo the sentiments of many older fans who remember the banana era fondly. During the match at Anfield, television cameras repeatedly cut to the away section, where City fans held aloft their inflatable bananas in a coordinated display. Although City did not come away with a win, the supporters' creativity and passion earned praise across social media. Many fans posted photos and videos, calling it a "tribute to tradition." One supporter wrote: "This reminds us of the days we followed City through thick and thin. No matter the result, we're always together." Analysts suggest that the return of the bananas is more than just a nostalgic stunt; it reflects a broader trend of fan culture reasserting itself in modern football. Amid increasing commercialization, supporters use such displays to emphasize belonging and identity. Manchester City itself has welcomed the gesture, viewing it as a celebration of the diversity of fan expression. The move has also sparked debate about stadium safety versus fan freedom, but the overall reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. On the pitch, City continue to face fierce competition in both the Premier League and Europe this season. The support of their fans remains a vital driving force. Varadi added: "The fans are the soul of the club. Through good times and bad, they find unique ways to back the team. The return of the bananas reminds us that football is not just about winning and losing—it's about community, memory, and joy." As the season progresses, City supporters may well bring the bananas to more away games. Regardless of results, the inflatable banana has once again become a bridge between past and present, allowing a new generation to experience the passion and humor of their predecessors. As Varadi put it, it "brought the fun back"—and that is the true essence of football.

Man City bananas 'brought fun back', says Varadi

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