Ryan Cherki wore the jersey of Hugo Ekitike while on City's bench
Rayan Cherki sparked debates during Manchester City’s dominant 4-0 win over Liverpool FC in the FA Cup quarter-final after being spotted wearing an opponent’s jersey while sitting on the substitutes’ bench.
The French playmaker, who delivered an impressive performance at the Etihad Stadium, was substituted in the 71st minute for Tijjani Reijnders.
Shortly after leaving the pitch, Cherki exchanged shirts with fellow France international Hugo Ekitike, who had also been substituted during the match.
However, the situation quickly turned unusual when Cherki returned to the Manchester City bench wearing Ekitike’s Liverpool jersey while the match was still ongoing.
The sight immediately drew attention, as players typically wait until after the final whistle before swapping shirts with opponents.
Watch Antoine Semenyo’s stunning goal against Liverpool
Coaching staff quickly intervened, instructing Cherki to remove the shirt. The 22-year-old responded by raising his hand in apology before taking it off, seemingly acknowledging the unusual moment.
The incident was picked up by television cameras and later shown on beIN Sports, prompting widespread discussions among fans on social media.
Some supporters criticised the timing of the shirt swap, arguing that such gestures should be reserved for after the match out of respect for the competition.
Despite the brief controversy, Manchester City secured an emphatic victory to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick, while Antoine Semenyo added another goal to complete a memorable afternoon for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Check out some of the reactions below:
It’s just an innocent mistake, he doesn’t mean to upset anyone, just not thinking. Anyway I’m not offended at all, he removed once he was spoke to by his teammates. You could see by his reaction he didn’t mean any disrespect. Let’s move on,we don’t want to affect his confidence
— Mick McHugh (@mickmchugh1) April 5, 2026
Love you @rayan_cherki but please please don’t ever do this again
— Val Bennion (@Valbenn1) April 4, 2026
Don’t even put it on on the pitch after the whistle when your clapping us fans
it’s just not acceptable here mate 🩵
Do it in the tunnel if you have to 🩵
Why does he even have the shirt before the game ends?
— Luke Toft (@LukeToft0303030) April 4, 2026
It's kinda like when you go hunting and you use the animal you just slaughtered lol
— Allister Edwards (@RCKSTEADY34) April 4, 2026
He didn't know. Now he knows. Just glad someone checked him.
— Nate Baitson (@NateMcCann87) April 4, 2026
It’s very poor from Ekitike although I can understand why he done it (Hooked again when he’s the best attacker, game over, feels fed up, mate wants his shirt)
— LFC Trio 🏆 (@ThatLFCTrio) April 4, 2026
It’s even more classless from Cherki to actually put it on during the game. He knows what he’s doing. Little pudding
Allow the players to feel free. These things are not written anywhere. There are no moral code book written in football matches, he can give his jersey but the other player can't wear it.
— Kull Guy (@yeboah_danny) April 4, 2026
Just allow the players to enjoy what they do. They are human beings.
The shirt, club, badge etc mean little to the players nowadays.
— 泉 (@tsk58cc) April 5, 2026
FKA/AE
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with Sports Minister Kofi Adams below:
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