Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes
The news that an independent Commission has found Manchester City guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules has sent shockwaves through the footballing community.
The Etihad outfit have appealed, but they can expect a very serious punishment if that is not successful. From titles being stripped to potential relegation, it appears as though all sorts of possible sanctions are on the table.
The repercussions will likely have an immediate impact on the Man City players as well, with rumours already sparking about Erling Haaland's future. Beyond the men's team, the women's side have quickly felt the impact of the guilty verdict as well.
Pep Guardiola looks dejected
Pep Guardiola looks dejected
Man City Women's Players Shocked by “Inappropriate” Abuse
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
With it currently being the international break, Enzo Maresca's men are yet to play a game since the news broke. Man City's women, however, have been in action.
Andree Jeglertz saw his team pick up an important 4-2 win over Arsenal in the Women's Super League on Sunday, leaving City top of the table with five wins from five – matching the perfect start made by the men's team in the Premier League.
Despite their on-field form, things have been difficult off it. Former defender Nedum Onuoha has revealed the sad impact on the women’s team as a consequence of the club's rule-breaking.
As quoted by the Sun, he explained that the players were targeted with “inappropriate” abuse as they arrived at a London hotel:
"The news broke as the women’s team were on the way to London. I know this from people who travelled with them — they were shocked, they weren’t expecting it.
“They got to Euston and there was a bus there with a City badge on. When they arrived at the hotel, some of the stuff being said, to call it inappropriate would be an understatement.
“There are people in the set-up who have had nothing to do with what this is all about. But they are having to live with that, it comes as a consequence. Their job is ten times harder.
“Every time they wear that kit, travel on that bus, people are going to want to ask about it.”
Man City Women's Team Unlikely to Be Directly Punished Over 115 Charges
Action Images via Reuters/ Carl Recine
As per BBC Sport, it remains unclear what impact the charges could have on the women's team, but there is said to be no active investigation taking place from WSL Football. The report explains that the WSL has different financial regulations from the Premier League.
It's also worth noting that there is no suggestion so far that any WSL opponents have expressed concern over the Man City men's team charges. Head coach Jeglertz, who joined the club last summer, said it was "business as usual" and when asked about how the women's team could be affected, added: "I don't want to comment more around that."
Adding to that, defender Jade Rose said the women's players had received "the same messaging the public has" from the club. When asked about the charges raising any concerns for the players, she added: "I'm just here to talk about the football. That's what we're focusing on."
Despite all that, as a consequence of the actions of others, it looks as though the women's team will have to face plenty of abuse over the coming weeks and months.