Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City should feel the impact of being found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules over a number of years
Jamie Carragher has shared what he feels would be a fitting punishment for Manchester City(Image: The Overlap)
View 2 Images
Manchester City should face a multi-year punishment for their financial misdemeanours, according to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. An independent commission found City guilty of breaking Premier League rules in a strongly-worded report released last week, which the club have appealed against.
The Etihad Stadium outfit were found to have inflated revenue by more than £830million over a nine-season period between 2009-10 and 2017-18 and, if their appeal fails, Carragher believes the sanctions should reflect that.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate with Sky Bet, the 48-year-old said: "If the people talk about (a penalty of) 80 points or 100 points, but that's just over one season that gets you relegated and then you come back again.
READ MORE: Two Liverpool players are giving Andoni Iraola an unexpected headache ahead of Man City
READ MORE: How Everton could line up vs Hull City as David Moyes sweats over star and two other key calls
"And I think players, a few of them would leave, but I think some of them would say, 'I could put up with that for a year'.
"But I think, because this has gone on for so long, I do think the punishment should be over a number of years, three to five years, and then players would move on.
"You've then got the financial aspect of how City would be able to afford the wages of those players if they haven't got Premier League money. And you can only spend the money that you bring in. They'll have to abide by it now!"
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
City return to action this weekend when they take on Liverpool, arguably their biggest rivals for titles over the last decade and a half, in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday.
Enzo Maresca's side can expect a hostile atmosphere at Anfield, and former City defender and manager Stuart Pearce feels the Italian needs to try to use that in his favour.
"The opposition, they'll be rolling their sleeves up," Pearce said. "The atmosphere in the stadiums is going to be red hot. It's unbelievable it happens to be Liverpool this weekend. It's going to be electric.
"So it's going to stimulate everybody else against City, and it's got to stimulate City against everyone else."
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca arrives at the club's training ground on Tuesday
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca arrives at the club's training ground on Tuesday (Image: PA Media)
View 2 Images
Former Man City player Nico Gonzalez admitted he has "mixed emotions" about what is happening at his old club.
The midfielder joined Newcastle United from City at the end of August for a reported fee of up to £52m and he said in an interview with Sky Sports News: "It's hard for me because I have mixed emotions.
"I really want them to succeed, not only my old team-mates but people that work there. I had a year and a half there and I built so many connections and so many relationships.
"I will always wish them the best personally. But obviously I'm just a player, I can't say: 'This has to be the punishment or there has to be a punishment'. I don't know what to say because I'm not aware of everything."
Liverpool, Everton and the rest of City's Premier League rivals are now waiting on what sanctions they will receive.
The Premier League said in a statement on September 29: "Now that the charges have been proved, the issue of sanction will be addressed separately in a further hearing with the independent Commission. In accordance with Premier League rules, that hearing will remain private and confidential until such a time as publication of the outcome is permitted.
"The club has the right to appeal the independent Commission’s findings and has until Friday 2 October to exercise that right.
"The Premier League Board’s intention is that the full process (including any appeals and publication of relevant decisions) is concluded as soon as possible."
City, who maintain their innocence, have appealed against the initial independent commission's decision.
Ensure our latest news and what's on headlines always appear at the top of your Google search by making us a preferred source.Click here to activateor add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings.