Manchester City, once a mid-table team in the English Premier League (EPL), has transformed into one of the most dominant football clubs globally. However, with this success has come a fair share of animosity from fans, pundits, and even rival clubs.
Here are several reasons why Manchester City is often considered one of the most hated clubs in the world:
Does Financial Power Doping have to do anything with it?
Manchester City's acquisition by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008 marked a significant turning point. The substantial financial backing allowed the club to sign top-tier players and world-class managers, leading to rapid success. Critics often label this as "financial doping," arguing that the City's success is built on wealth rather than organic growth. The club's significant spending has led to allegations of unfair financial practices, including breaches of UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, which further fuels the animosity.
The thing is correct, Manchester City has splashed money in the market, but the question is other teams too have splashed the same or even more amount of money in the market, For example, Chelsea after Todd Bohely came to power that is since 2022 have exceeded their expenditure more than $1 Billion, with number of signings, but Chelsea never got any slack for it, so why just Manchester City? Is it biasness of fans or just cold preference?
Rapid Rise to Dominance
City's swift ascension from a relatively average team to a powerhouse has irked many traditional football fans. The club's rise disrupted the established hierarchy of English football, where teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal had historically dominated. The resentment partly stems from a perception that City "bought" their success, bypassing the more traditional and challenging route of gradual development and youth investment.
This might piss off fans quickly, as there are only top teams that were dominating the league and Europe but now top clubs have to share the same stage with some who might be better than them, Not like any change is human behaviour, and fans of these top clubs got the first-hand taster.
Accusations of Lack of Tradition and History
Manchester City, despite having a long history, was not traditionally seen as a global football giant. Critics argue that City lacks the rich heritage and tradition of clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Liverpool. This perceived lack of historical prestige contributes to the disdain, as some fans believe City's recent success needs to match the club's historical standing.
Not having any history is the most talked off point and it has its reasons, fans are connected to something they can talk about with their friends and loved ones, A kid being taken to a game by his/her father engraves many memories for that certain club than any other experience. This is exactly what the older generation had lacked with Manchester City but this would change with the newer generation.
Manchester City are Aggressive on transfers?
City's aggressive tactics in the transfer market, often paying inflated fees for players and offering high wages, have not gone unnoticed. This strategy has been criticised for inflating the market and making it difficult for other clubs to compete. The club's ability to attract top talents with lucrative contracts has led to accusations of creating an uneven playing field.
Well, Manchester had done nothing like what PSG had done offering more than 222 Million Dollars for a player but surely had played some role in the inflation because of the wages and contracts they offer to their players, Other clubs are obliged to increase their offer or offer more packages to the players for better possibility of landing that player.
Many players are poached like these by the rich owners of Man City.
Rivalries and Local Animosity
As a club based in Manchester, City has a fierce rivalry with Manchester United. United fans, who have long enjoyed dominance in Manchester and globally, view City's rise with particular bitterness. The rivalry has intensified, especially with City's recent success overshadowing United's achievements in the last decade. Additionally, local rivalries with other Northern clubs add to the hate.
Manchester City also won the treble in 2023 which was a feat that was enjoyed by their neighbour rival Manchester United. The Reds who were so dominant in times in the Premier League and Champions League have fallen way behind their blue city rivals Manchester City. But this might not be the reason why “all football” fans hate Manchester City, It surely makes Man United fans hate them. But it goes to other clubs as well, It is the same rhetoric of Man City being dominant and now top clubs have to share a stage with one additional club.
Controversial Ownership and Human Rights Concerns
The ownership of Manchester City by Sheikh Mansour, part of the Abu Dhabi royal family, has drawn criticism due to alleged human rights abuses in the United Arab Emirates. Critics argue that the club's success serves as a form of sportswashing, where the positive aspects of football are used to distract from or improve the image of a controversial regime. This ethical dimension adds a layer of moral disapproval from some fans and human rights organizations.
Incidents involving City officials, managers, and players sometimes come across as arrogant or dismissive of rules and regulations. For example, City's legal battles with UEFA over FFP regulations and their subsequent overturning of a European ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) were seen by some as evidence of the club's belief that it is above the law.
This perception fuels the narrative of City as a club that operates on a different set of standards.
Ultimately, success in sports often breeds contempt. City's recent dominance in the Premier League and their growing success in European competitions have naturally made them a target for rival fans. Envy and resentment are common reactions to sustained success, particularly when they disrupt the established order.
In conclusion, the hatred towards Manchester City is a complex mix of financial, ethical, and competitive factors. While their rapid rise and success have garnered a significant fanbase, it has also attracted considerable animosity from various quarters, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern football.
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