“And after all, you really robbed us all” was one of the lines on a banner at Liverpool’s home ground. It was a clear nod to the chorus of Oasis’ “Wonderwall” - both Oasis brothers, Liam and Noel Gallagher, are well-known Manchester City supporters.
According to the AFP news agency, Liverpool fans shouted “cheats” when Manchester City arrived at Anfield. Flags and scarves mocking Manchester City were sold in the streets around the stadium.
As City’s players ran onto the pitch, boos and shouts of “you’re out” echoed around the stadium. The latter was a reference to a potential punishment Manchester City faces after the financial scandal.
114 violations
The news came during the international break. The Premier League appointed an independent commission to investigate City. Among other things, it found that the club was guilty of 114 breaches of the league’s financial regulations.
During the period under review, 2009–2018, Manchester City won the league three times, the FA Cup twice and the League Cup four times.
Sixth straight victory
Possibly boosted by the excited home crowd, Liverpool started strongly, albeit without Swedish star Alexander Isak, who was missing through injury. But they couldn’t break through City’s defense.
Instead, the visitors settled the match in 13 lightning-fast minutes, shortly after the home team’s Ryan Gravenberch was sent off.
+ Norwegian top scorer Erling Braut Haaland made it 1–0 in the 65th minute.
+ Jérémy Doku made it 2–0 three minutes later.
+ Rayan Cherki made it 3–0 in the 78th minute.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Manchester City had secured their sixth straight victory and maximum 18 points.
“For everyone at Manchester City, and all the supporters, this is a wonderful moment that we will carry with us for a long time,” Haaland told Sky Sports.
It was tough and it was hard, but we showed incredible character.
But it remains to be seen how much it will ultimately mean. No punishment has been handed down, and City have announced they will appeal.
Manchester City have had 115 charges brought against them. After an independent commission investigated the club, the Premier League ruled that City had breached more than 100 of them. The club was found guilty of all charges relating to financial regulations.
The commission concluded that the club artificially inflated its revenues and reduced its costs by a total of £900 million between 2009 and 2018 to give the appearance of complying with financial rules.
Between 2009 and 2018, City won the league three times, the FA Cup twice and the League Cup four times.
Any sanctions will be decided by the same independent commission that investigated City. Exactly when this will happen is not known.
City’s former chairman, David Bernstein, has said the club should be relegated from the top flight.
Source: TT, BBC.
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