Robertson makes feelings clear on Man City 115 charges verdict and Liverpool impact

Tottenham Hotspur left-back Andy Robertson insists it would be wrong for Manchester City’s players to be tarnished by the club’s alleged breach of financial regulations. The Scotland international was part of a Liverpool team which missed out on several major trophies to City, including two Premier League titles by narrow margins.

The news that an independent panel reached a decision emerged on Friday afternoon, sending the world of football into a frenzy. City, who have always denied any allegations of wrongdoing, now face a nervous wait for their punishment after being found to have breached English top-flight rules 114 times

The panel found that City breached the regulations over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, with the club originally charged in 2023. It is understood that the East Manchester side will appeal the verdict.

And now Robertson, who made 378 appearances for Liverpool before leaving to join Spurs in the summer, has now had his say on the seismic verdict. The full-back was speaking in Scotland's pre-match press conference before their Nations League clash against Slovenia.

He said: "I think you can hear the shock in my voice. The case has obviously been going on. For me, the [Man City] players showed they were good enough on the pitch.

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"I don’t know too much about the charges. But they had an incredible team, one that I loved battling against.

"I don’t think when it comes to these things that players are ever to blame. That’s all I can focus on."

Premier League clubs are planning potential legal action against City following their guilty verdict. With the club earning huge success during the nine-year period they are accused of breaching regulations, other sides in England look to be after financial compensation.

City claimed eight Premier League titles since the 2011/12 campaign, when they famously snatched the crown from Manchester United on the final day of the season. Domestic cup competitions and one Champions League have also been claimed since 2009, with the legitimacy of those triumphs now under scrutiny.

The Athletic claim that one possible scenario could see all those impacted coming together to launch a class-action lawsuit. United, specifically, are said to be looking into their options and the knock-on effects of City's misconduct on their own success and finances.

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An appeal from City is anticipated first, however, with any action from rival clubs expected to follow that process. It has been further suggested that United have been specifically scrutinising the seasons in which they were most adversely affected.

Topping that list would undoubtedly be the 2011/12 campaign, when Sergio Aguero's iconic last-gasp goal snatched the title away from Old Trafford. City's record-breaking 100-point season, during which United finished as runners-up, also fell within the nine-year period in which City are accused of committing financial breaches.

The same situation occurred during the campaign without supporters following the Covid-19 pandemic, though this came after 2018, which marks the final season under the club's investigation period.