Understand
No 10 says Manchester City are not 'above the rules' following backlash to Andy Burnham's remarks
Overview
Downing Street has clarified that Manchester City are not above the rules after Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced criticism for expressing concern that the club's owners might sell up following findings that the club breached Premier League financial rules. Burnham's remarks were branded out of touch by political opponents who urged that politics be kept out of football. No 10 emphasised that the independent process must run its course, that wrongdoing should face appropriate consequences, and that the outcome must be respected. Manchester City deny wrongdoing and have until Friday to submit an appeal against the independent commission's findings.
Key points
- Downing Street stated that Manchester City are not 'above the rules' following a backlash over Andy Burnham's comments.
- Burnham said in an interview he would be 'really concerned' if City's owners decided to sell up following the independent commission's findings.
- The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats criticised Burnham for his remarks, questioning whether political pressure was being applied.
- No 10 clarified that the independent process must be allowed to run its course and that wherever wrongdoing is established, appropriate consequences should follow.
- Manchester City deny any wrongdoing and are expected to appeal the independent panel's findings that they breached Premier League rules.