Rangers hero Ally McCoist insists there has not been a rule breach "to this scale" as Manchester City await punishment for breaching financial rules.
The 10-time English champions faced 114 charges from the Premier League and were found guilty of 113 of them. They are expected to appeal the decision, but if unsuccessful, it is anticipated they will likely face one of the most severe punishments ever handed out in English football.
Comparisons to Rangers' 2012 demotion
Everything from relegation to a points sanction has been floated as a potential sanction for City, with some onlookers comparing the situation to Rangers being cast out of the top flight in 2012 and forced to work their way back up the leagues. McCoist stuck with the club as they crashed down to League Two, spending three years in the dugout before he resigned with the Glasgow giants in the Scottish Championship in 2014.
Discussing City's potential sanction, he told talkSPORT: "You know who I have sympathy for? Their fans. And to a lesser degree the players, by the way.
"What a can of worms - I have listened to fans phoning in, justifiably angry, saying 'they beat us in this final, and in this game', but how far back do you go?
"Has anything happened like this, probably not to this scale - so nobody knows what punishment should fit the crime. I think they will [make a statement]."
McCoist's journey through the lower leagues
He then opened up on his time managing the club through the lower reaches of the Scottish game: "It was difficult for a lot of people. It wasn't an ideal situation, but it ended up being a bizarre/brilliant experience.
"It was the last thing we needed, but we had to make the best out of what it was, and I sometimes regret not doing a book on the journey back up.
"It was absolutely incredible going to places like Peterhead, Elgin and Montrose.
"So for the journey itself, City fans will stick with them if that happens - they would."
Player exodus and the road ahead
Asked if many players stayed, he stated: "Not many. I say not many - basically none, so that totally transforms it.
"Then, everyone has an opinion of what you should do. There was all sorts of nonsense spouted about it because everybody thinks they are an expert.
"You've got to find the best way to attract the best players you possibly can to win a league because the best players in that league will not necessarily win you it because you are a cup final every Saturday.
"But it is fascinating, absolutely fascinating, and I think they will be put down the leagues, but I am not sure how far."
