Manchester City: UK government backtracks, no one is above the rules
The UK government has clarified its position on Manchester City, with a spokesperson saying no one is above the rules, according to Italian and Dutch media.
The British government has walked back earlier comments on Manchester City, according to a spokesperson quoted by several media outlets. The clarification comes after Downing Street initially refrained from issuing a strong judgment on the controversy surrounding the club.
Official position
TuttoMercatoWeb reports that Andy Burnham has taken an official stance on the situation that is set to shake the Premier League and specifically Manchester City. The prime minister said: "The initial judgment is serious and one cannot in any way think that someone is above..."
Voetbal International adds that the prime minister, speaking through a spokesperson, has retracted his previous statements. The tone from Downing Street is now less lenient than before, the Dutch outlet notes.
Former chairman's criticism
Meanwhile, former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein has strongly criticized his old club. The 83-year-old Englishman believes the current leadership cannot remain in place after City was found guilty by the Premier League of 114 breaches of financial rules, according to Voetbalprimeur.
Bernstein's comments add to the pressure on the club following the league's verdict. The former chairman's remarks were reported on September 30, before the prime minister's clarification on October 1.
