Noel Gallagher reacts to bombshell Man City charges verdict

Oasis musician Noel Gallagher has expressed his "shock" following news that Manchester City have been found guilty on almost all counts of breaching Premier League financial rules.

Reports on Friday claimed City had been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges issued by the Premier League in February 2023, allegations the club consistently denied.

Speaking on the Let Me Talk podcast, the prominent City supporter called the decision "quite sad" for fans and squad members.

"A little surprised when I heard it on the radio. Surprised because only that the club have assured us all along that they vehemently denied any of these charges.

"So it was a bit of a shock to find out that we’ve been found guilty of all but one. But really overall just quite sad really. Sad for the fans and for the players."

Gallagher said Sergio Aguero’s title-winning goal can’t be taken away from the fans (Getty)

When asked whether the verdict alters historic moments such as Sergio Aguero’s title-winning goal in 2012, Gallagher added: "Our focus as fans is always on the pitch and we know what we saw – they won it on the pitch.

"Whatever goes on in the boardroom, it’s nothing to do with the supporters or the players. The players won that game and won that title on the pitch.

"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."

Meanwhile, former City chairman David Bernstein has admitted the club faces a “drastic” punishment if their appeal fails.

Urging swift action, Bernstein said on Times Radio: "First of all, the timing of this I think is crucial. This whole process has taken too long already.

"So the appeal process now has to be done quickly because…you’ve got the club playing with this cloud over its head and it’s just not viable.

"The appeal process cannot go on for year after year, I think that would be a disaster. Not just for this particular case but for English football generally. The timing is crucial.

"I can’t give a view on the punishment. If they are found, after the appeal, guilty of 115 charges, my beloved club is going to face a very severe penalty.

"All I would say is that money is not sufficient, it would have to be something, unfortunately, more drastic than that."