Liam Gallagher has claimed that “someone in a very, very high position” told him Manchester City will be hit with a fine and a transfer ban if they lose their appeal on their 114 Premier League charges. City received a guilty verdict from an independent panel on Friday regarding all but one of the 115 breaches of financial rules they were accused of in 2023.
Fans and pundits speculate on punishment
As a result, fans and pundits alike have been speculating on an apt punishment for the club, considering the unprecedented territory it finds itself in. Some of the more extreme penalties suggested include massive points deductions and relegation from the Premier League.
There is also a possibility that City could have their titles won between 2009 and 2018 – the period in which their alleged wrongdoing took place – stripped from them. However, Oasis frontman and City supporter Gallagher claims that none of those eventualities will come to fruition.
Gallagher’s social media claim
Speaking his mind on X on Sunday, Gallagher wrote: “Just been told by someone in a very very high position if we lose our appeal which we won’t we’ll be getting a FINE and TRANSFER BAN and that’s it so all you desperate neurotic S****BUBBLES hush it up to ras MCFC LG x.”
It comes as City are expected to appeal Friday's decision, given they have pleaded innocence throughout the saga which has taken the best part of three years thus far to navigate. As a result, football fans and Premier League clubs could face a lengthy wait for any punishments to come to light.
Noel Gallagher and club chairman respond
It comes as Gallagher's brother and bandmate, Noel, recently spoke about his shock that his boyhood club had been found guilty of the charges. He said: “Whatever goes on in the boardroom, it's nothing to do with the supporters or the players. Our focus as fans is always on the pitch and we know what we saw. They won it on the pitch.”
He added: “Whether some of those players should have been there or not, that's nothing to do with the fans. We were there, we know what we saw. Does it taint it? I suppose in the eyes of everybody else in England it would, but I know what I saw and I know what I felt.”
He also said: “I'm sad for the fans and the players and a little surprised because all along the club reassured us and vehemently denied all the charges. It was a shock to hear we were guilty on all but one of them.”
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak shared an open letter with fans on Saturday, thanking them for their continued support throughout the saga. It read: “I have been part of this Club for 18 years. I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul. This Club matters to me, and you have shown and told me – time and time again - how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today. Following Friday’s media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues.”
He added: “So have I. Here’s what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began. There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies. I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023 (also below). Every word matters and holds true.”
He continued: “While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity.”
He concluded: “We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium - moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family. Thank you, as always, for your constant support.”
