Newcastle United will maintain a dignified silence on the Manchester City situation that has rocked the Premier League and the world of football. The Premier League confirmed that City have been found guilty of all charges related to breaches of Premier League financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
City's guilty verdict sends shockwaves through Tyneside
Like Newcastle, with wealthy owners coming in, the two clubs have found themselves with similar challenges when it comes to breaking into the top four or five of England's top division. But like the rest of the Premier League clubs, Newcastle can only now stand back and see what the punishment will be for the Citizens, who maintain they are not guilty.
The announcement has been in the post for some time for City, but it still sent shockwaves through both Newcastle as a club and especially the fanbase. Talk of speedy punishments and the prospect of City being booted out of the Prem have been in topic of conversation in pubs and clubs around Tyneside.
Boxing Day clash at St James' Park in question
They could theoretically be expelled by the Premier League, which would require 15 of their rival clubs to vote in favour of a motion decreeing so. It begs the question of whether the game with City on Boxing Night would even go ahead at St James' Park, although any action and sanctions are likely to be tied up in appeals for the time being.
As Chronicle Live reported on Sunday, neither Newcastle nor PIF have reacted or commented on this situation, and it feels like they won't until there is a full judgment passed. It won't stop Matthias Jaissle being asked the question in his next Press conference but like Thomas Tuchel with England and other international bosses in the last week or so it would be batted away.
Appeals and uncertainty ahead
The truth is, only the Premier League know what they will do next and while City have decided to appeal, you wonder what the playing field will be like when Premier League action resumes. A sense of hysteria and injustice in England is already sweeping around top-flight clubs.
It is clear what type of atmosphere will be in the air when City play next, especially as they head to Anfield to face Liverpool, the team that have been pipped to multiple titles and cups in recent years. Then there is the question of the players' attitude, including new signings like our very own Elliot Anderson.
Is every player going to accept the situation as it is or have they already been briefed for such a scenario? Either way, the whole situation could be chaotic and the Premier League may have to make some type of move sooner rather than later.
Wider viewpoints reflect that all the City's rivals want the affair closed by the end of the season, but will that be enough to appease everybody? Man City are already three points clear of the current competition and every time a team is beaten the argument is going to be raked up over and over again.
Lisa Nandy MP, the Culture, Media & Sport secretary, told the BBC: "It's incredibly serious, the Premier League report is incredibly stark. This is causing a lot of concern for Man City fans and all fans of Premier League football."
And that concern will rage on for some time yet with every team clearly shaken by what has unfolded during the three-week international break.
