Premier League clubs back City expulsion if financial charges appeal fails

Premier League clubs are understood to believe Manchester City should be expelled from the top flight next season if their appeal against financial misconduct charges fails, according to reports. Many clubs reportedly feel a points deduction would not be sufficient punishment, particularly if it resulted in City spending only a single season outside the division.

The development comes in the wake of City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, their first match since being found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules. The result, which saw City move to the top of the table, has intensified scrutiny over the timing and severity of any sanction, with the club’s punishment still undecided pending the outcome of their appeal.

The atmosphere at Anfield was hostile throughout, with City players greeted by boos and chants of ‘cheats’ from the home crowd. Despite Ryan Gravenberch’s red card reducing Liverpool to ten men, City capitalised to claim a comfortable victory.

Manager Enzo Maresca addressed the pressure surrounding his squad after the final whistle, urging his players to let their performances do the talking. “My message to the players since we were together three days ago has been quite clear: guys, the noise will always be there so it’s about how we learn to deal with the noise and it’s our duty to make our noise,” Maresca said. “Our noise is to win games in the way we did today and to be happy. It was our fans making the noise at the end of the game today.”

City now turn their attention to a Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, which will offer the club a brief return to home surroundings before the off-field uncertainty resumes. The club continue to await the outcome of their appeal, with no timeline confirmed for when a final decision on sanctions will be reached.