Downing Street has issued a new statement on Manchester City's guilty verdict, insisting that no one is "above the rules" and that those responsible "should face the appropriate consequences" if wrongdoing is established.
The statement follows comments earlier this week from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who said he was "really concerned" that City's owners would sell, describing them as "a huge partner in the building of modern Manchester".
No.10's official position
The latest official line from No.10 was markedly different from Burnham's personal remarks. A spokesperson said: "As the Prime Minister made clear, the initial judgement is serious and there can't be any suggestion that anyone is above the rules. He also stressed that it is an ongoing independent process."
"It is essential that it is allowed to run its course and the outcome respected. If wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face the appropriate consequences," the spokesperson added.
Context of the case
The statement comes as Manchester City face the possibility of an appeal after being found guilty of charges brought by the Premier League. The club's owners have been a significant presence in the city's development, a point Burnham acknowledged in his earlier remarks.
The Prime Minister's comments had sparked controversy, prompting Downing Street to clarify the government's stance. The spokesperson's statement emphasised the independence of the ongoing process and the need for the outcome to be respected.
Further updates on this breaking story are expected as the appeal process unfolds.
