New fan footage has captured harrowing scenes at the Etihad Stadium, appearing to show Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai involved in a violent altercation with some of the away supporters after Liverpool were eliminated 4-0 in the FA Cup.
The Hungarian international was one of the few players to earn points in a tumultuous season, but it appeared to have reached a breaking point as the Reds’ domestic cup ambitions were brutally snuffed out by Manchester City.
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What happened between Liverpool fans and Dominik Szoboszlai at full time
The footage, published on social media shortly after the final whistle, shows Szoboszlai approaching the away end as the players go to greet the last remaining fans.
While most players gave a dejected round of applause, the 25-year-old appeared to take exception to the comments directed at him from the front row.
The video shows an animated Szoboszlai gesturing towards a group of supporters before being led by teammate Federico Chiesa.
The exact conversation is unclear, but it appears Szoboszlai was frustrated that fans did not praise the players’ efforts.
Liverpool’s situation is falling apart
The conflict is the latest sign of the club’s decline. Liverpool have lost 15 games in all competitions this season, a stunning setback for the defending Premier League champions.
The atmosphere surrounding the club has become toxic, with each setback adding to the feeling of “Arne out”.
With Mohamed Salah confirmed to be leaving the club this summer and the team currently sitting in fifth place, the bond between players and fan base is being tested like never before.
Szoboszlai has previously admitted that his squad has been affected by fans leaving Anfield early, but this head-to-head at the Etihad suggests the pressure of a disintegrating season is finally weighing on the leaders in the dressing room.
As the Reds prepare for Wednesday’s do-or-die Champions League game against PSG, Arne Slott faces the impossible task of repairing a broken squad and furious fan base at the same time.
