Steven Gerrard believes Manchester City should lose their titles and that relegation on its own would not be sufficient punishment, according to Goal.com. The former Liverpool captain made the remarks as City's long-running financial case continues to draw comment from figures across English football.
Goal.com reports Gerrard's position in blunt terms, saying he wants City to suffer for years over the matter. The same report indicates that, in his view, a drop to a lower division would fall short of what he considers appropriate.
The charges against Manchester City concern alleged breaches of financial rules. The club has denied wrongdoing, and the case has not yet reached a final outcome. Other outlets have weighed in on the same subject. Al Arabiya carried Gerrard's call for City to be stripped of their honours, while Youm7 reported that Paul Pogba asked for two titles to be handed to Manchester United. Al-Masry Al-Youm published details about City entering confidential negotiations in the financial violations case.
Separately, Monte Carlo International reported that the British prime minister met the Manchester City chairman during the period when the prime minister served as mayor of Manchester. That item concerns a political meeting and does not address the substance of the charges.
No verdict has been announced, and no penalty has been imposed. Until a decision is reached, the debate around City's trophies and their league status remains opinion rather than outcome.
What to watch next: any ruling in the financial case, and whether City issue a formal response to Gerrard's comments.
