In a bizarre incident during Manchester City's dominant FA Cup victory over Liverpool, midfielder Rayan Cherki was instructed to remove a Liverpool shirt while seated on the City bench. The unusual episode occurred as Pep Guardiola's side secured a comprehensive 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Erling Haaland netting a hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo adding a fourth goal in the second half.
Cherki's Shirt Swap with France Teammate
Following his substitution in the 71st minute, Cherki took his place among the substitutes and engaged in a shirt exchange with his France international colleague, Hugo Ekitike. After removing his own Manchester City jersey, Cherki began to put on Ekitike's Liverpool shirt, a move that quickly drew attention from those nearby.
Immediate Intervention from the Bench
An individual seated behind Cherki promptly intervened, leading the £30.45 million midfielder to swiftly take off the Liverpool jersey. This incident added an unexpected twist to a match already marked by City's commanding performance and Liverpool's disappointing exit, with Mohamed Salah missing a second-half penalty saved by James Trafford.
History of On-Field Antics
This is not the first time Cherki has faced criticism for his behavior during matches. Earlier in the season, during the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley, he was seen performing kick-ups while City celebrated their 2-0 victory. Such actions have occasionally overshadowed his otherwise impressive contributions on the pitch.
City's Dominant FA Cup Display
Manchester City's performance was nothing short of spectacular, with Haaland's hat-trick highlighting their attacking prowess. The victory was so decisive that many Liverpool supporters began leaving the stadium before the hour mark, reflecting the one-sided nature of the contest.
Despite the off-bench drama, Cherki delivered another strong performance prior to his substitution, continuing to showcase his talent in City's midfield. The incident, however, serves as a reminder of the intense rivalries and strict protocols that define high-stakes football encounters, even in moments of post-match camaraderie.
