Why Cherki got 'told off' for Ekitike shirt swap - 'Going to go down like a lead balloon!'

Rayan Cherki’s eye-catching performance in Manchester City’s demolition of Liverpool came with a flash of controversy after the final whistle, as a post-match shirt swap with Hugo Ekitike drew an unexpected rebuke. The Lyon playmaker, lauded as one of the standout performers on the night, exchanged jerseys with the Paris Saint-Germain forward, prompting a stern reaction from club staff who feared the gesture could “go down like a lead balloon” among supporters still smarting from the heavy defeat.

Cherki’s display had otherwise been a rare bright spot, but the impromptu souvenir exchange overshadowed his individual highlights and served as a reminder that even moments of camaraderie can carry a sting when emotions are raw.