Manchester City Star Snubbed Liverpool in Guard of Honour

With just nine games left in the Premier League, Liverpool hold a commanding 12-point lead over Arsenal, putting them on the brink of another title triumph under Arne Slot.

The last time the Reds lifted the Premier League trophy, Jurgen Klopp’s side set a top-flight record by securing the title with seven games to spare. While Mohamed Salah and company won’t be able to match that feat, they could still be crowned champions as early as April 13.

For that to happen, Liverpool must win their next two matches and pick up at least a point against West Ham, while also relying on Arsenal suffering three defeats. Without external help, the Reds need 16 points from their remaining 27, which could see them clinch the title on the first weekend of May—with games still to spare.

That scenario would likely lead to Liverpool receiving a guard of honour, just as they did in 2020. In a potential twist, Arsenal could be the team applauding their rivals onto the pitch in gameweek 36.

However, such traditions aren’t always well received. Manchester City, for instance, delivered a rather half-hearted guard of honour when Liverpool visited the Etihad as newly crowned champions four years ago.

An empty Etihad Stadium witnessed Liverpool walking onto the pitch through reluctant applause, with one notable exception—Bernardo Silva.

The Portuguese midfielder stood alongside his Manchester City teammates but notably refrained from clapping. In fact, he appeared more focused on sipping a coffee before making an early exit while Liverpool’s players were still making their way onto the field.

Jurgen Klopp, however, wasn’t particularly concerned about the subdued reception. At the time, he acknowledged the unfamiliarity of the tradition, especially given his background in German football.

"I am not sure if I've ever got [a guard of honour], but it was long ago that I won something in Germany," Klopp said. "I think we had three more matchdays to go, and it's not really a German tradition, but it is an English one and a Premier League one. So we take it, it is a nice gesture, 100%. I wouldn't need it, to be honest."

Liverpool had the worst guard of honour against Man City after Jurgen Klopp ended their Premier League drought

Bernardo Silva can be spotted drinking coffee pic.twitter.com/BdxGRungQG

— New Sheriff  (@NewsheriffUtd) October 8, 2024

While Klopp remained indifferent, Liverpool fans weren’t as forgiving. When City crashed out of the Champions League against Lyon later that season, many Reds supporters took the opportunity to mock Bernardo Silva for his apparent lack of sportsmanship.

The backlash was so intense that the midfielder even took to X to respond.

"And to all Liverpool fans that have nothing else to do than to come to a Man City player account, I’m also sorry for you, but for the wrong reasons… pathetic… go celebrate your titles, or try to find a partner, drink a beer with a friend, read a book… so many options!”