Roy Keane has delivered a brutal verdict on Manchester City’s achievements after the club were found guilty of breaches of Premier League financial rules.
The former Manchester United captain said he would throw his medals “in the bin” if he had been a City player during the period covered by the case.
The Premier League’s independent commission found City guilty of the charges relating to the period between 2009 and 2018. Reports said the findings included allegations surrounding commercial arrangements and the club’s financial reporting. City have continued to deny wrongdoing and are expected to appeal the verdict.
City won eight trophies during that period, including three Premier League titles, making the verdict particularly significant for players who were part of those winning teams.
Roy Keane questions Manchester City players’ medals
Speaking on ITV as quoted by BBC, Keane was blunt when asked how he would feel about the trophies if he had been part of the City squad.
“If I was a player, I’d be 100% sticking those medals in the bin. Of course you would, it’s cheating,” Keane said.
The former United midfielder argued that City’s success had to be viewed differently following the findings.
“They won it on the pitch because cheating was going on,” he added.
Keane also criticised the club itself, suggesting that those responsible knew their actions could have consequences for other teams and players.
“They knew it would hurt a lot of people, but they’ve still done it,” he said.
The independent commission’s findings concern the club, while the impact on individual players and historical honours remains a separate question.
City’s position is that they deny the allegations, while any potential sporting consequences will depend on the next stages of the process.
