Prime Minister Andy Burnham has denied downplaying the seriousness of the independent commission's findings against Manchester City. The club were found guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules over a nine-season period between 2009/10 and 2017/18, as well as the majority of charges arising from its failure to cooperate with the league's investigation.
City's appeal and Burnham's initial comments
City have lodged a "comprehensive" appeal against the decision to the chair of the judicial panel, Sir Gary Hickinbottom. Their position is that "on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe."
Burnham initially drew comparisons to Everton and their Premier League charges, telling the BBC: "Everton was in this position a few years ago and you might remember that I fought for Everton in that situation because I still hold the view very firmly that they weren't fairly treated in that process."
Burnham's response to criticism
He added: "I remember people proclaiming Everton guilty at the time, and with hindsight, I think more people would say that wasn't fair, the way that was handled. So it would be wrong of me to leap to one side given the experience that I'd had before becoming prime minister."
However, asked about claims he is downplaying the seriousness, Burnham has now told the BBC: "No, I haven't downplayed the seriousness of the findings. They are findings that need to be considered with great care and seriousness, and then the process that considers them needs to be fully independent."
Call for due process
"I said that last week, and I will repeat it again. I think it's incumbent on everybody now to let the process run its course."
"I was asked a question about wider investment. I think it's important to separate the football issues from wider investment. The football issues have to be looked at fully, and that is without question."
The Prime Minister's comments come as the appeal process moves forward, with the independent judicial panel set to consider City's challenge to the findings.
