Man City v Liverpool: Everton supporters’ group reveal plans for aeroplane message

Everton supporters’ group The 1878s have confirmed they plan to fly a plane over the Etihad Stadium on Saturday during Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Liverpool.

The 1878s have raised nearly £40,000 since last week’s news that Everton have been docked 10 points, with the fan group planning to use the funds to show their opposition to the Premier League’s decision.

The Toffees were served with the points deduction after an independent commission determined the club had flouted rules related to profitability and sustainability. An aggrieved Everton said in a statement that they will ‘monitor with great interest the decisions made in any other cases concerning the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules’, an obvious reference to City’s ongoing charges.

The European champions were charged with 115 counts of alleged breaches of financial regulations in February, with the case still not close to being resolved after nine months. While City deny the charges against them, Everton fans feel they have been unfairly punished in comparison, with The 1878s planning to demonstrate this during City’s next match.

“We have had a lot of requests asking for a plane to be flown over Goodison on Sunday, with a message to the PL,” the group wrote on X. “Due to our kick off time, it will be dark. So instead a plane will fly over The Etihad on Saturday for City v Liverpool which will be watched by millions around the world. Once the banner is made from the company we can release a picture of this.”

The 1878s have also arranged for flags and cards to be distributed ahead of Sunday’s clash against Manchester United at Goodison Park, with the group saying they wish to create a ‘hostile’ atmosphere for the visiting Red Devils.

The 10-point deduction has seen Sean Dyche’s side drop from 14th in the table, to level on points with bottom-place Burnley.