Pep Guardiola has told Manchester City fans that he remains behind the club despite the Blues being found guilty of more than 100 charges in their long-running case with the Premier League.
Premier League verdict and City's response
The Premier League released a verdict on Tuesday night, saying City inflated sponsorship deals by £830million over the period in question as well as accusing club witnesses of not being honest when giving evidence.
City furiously reaffirmed their position and will now appeal the case while CEO Ferran Soriano sent a message to all staff telling them that the club will be cleared on appeal.
Guardiola's message of support
And now Guardiola, who left the club in the summer after a decade in charge, has come out in support of City.
Writing on X he said: "I want every single @ManCity fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
Appeal and wider reaction
City were found to have engaged in schemes to inflate revenue and hide costs to the tune of more than £900m.
The club have already indicated their intention to appeal, and say the decision "contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe".
City chief executive Ferran Soriano told staff in a video message that the commission had gone along with the Premier League's "conspiracy theory".
The Times meanwhile has reported that other top-flight clubs have contacted the league urging a conclusion to the case before the end of the season.
