footballtopstar

Tag: Man City

  • Lawyer delivers Premier League relegation ruling for Man City while Aston Villa observes

    Lawyer delivers Premier League relegation ruling for Man City while Aston Villa observes

    Nick De Marco KC

    Nick De Marco KC, who recently assisted Leicester City in avoiding relegation from the Premier League, believes that clubs should not be demoted due to off-field issues.

    The prominent sports lawyer, who helped Leicester in their conflict with the Premier League, asserts that Manchester City should not face relegation as a result of decisions made off the field.

    De Marco, recognized for his role in Newcastle United’s 2021 takeover and in helping Leicester evade Premier League sanctions this season, contends that points deductions should be a last resort.

    An independent panel supported De Marco’s viewpoint, ruling that the Premier League lacked grounds to charge Leicester City with financial violations since they were not members at the time of their relegation to the Championship.

    Currently, Manchester City faces 130 allegations, with potential penalties seemingly limitless, as Premier League rivals like Aston Villa and Arsenal closely monitor the situation.

    City’s hearing against the Premier League commenced on Monday, where the authority exists to impose fines and points deductions, and potentially recommend relegation through a member vote.

    Nick De Marco KC

    Led by Lord Pannick KC, Manchester City remains confident that the proceedings will not escalate to such measures, denying all allegations and vowing to clear their name “once and for all.”

    Despite the advantages of current regulations, De Marco believes it is not “right” for a club to be removed from a league for reasons unrelated to their on-field performance.

    “In my view things as important as promotion and relegation should be determined on the pitch,” the 57-year-old told *The Times*.

    “It spoils the game for it to be determined by people like me; lawyers and accountants and ex-lawyers who are arbitrators, hearing legal arguments behind closed doors. I’m going to make my money out of it because that’s my business but I don’t necessarily think it’s right.”

    “As a football fan, I really do think points deductions should be the very last thing people look at for breaches. Yet it’s becoming a routine starting point, and I do think that spoils a lot of the fun and entertainment of the game.”

    “I can still see the argument for points deductions, because they can be the best way to redress a sporting advantage given the obvious flaws with financial penalties.”

    “If you are a very wealthy owner, intent on just spending anything in breach of the rules, you’re not going to worry too much about a financial penalty. But I still think point deductions should be a last resort.”

  • Daniel Sturridge says there is “no bias” in his title prediction as Liverpool battles Arsenal and Man City.

    Daniel Sturridge says there is “no bias” in his title prediction as Liverpool battles Arsenal and Man City.

    Daniel Sturridge

    Liverpool has had a fantastic recent run of results. Having played for both Manchester City and the Reds, Daniel Sturridge has expressed his opinions on the title fight.

    Liverpool’s victory versus Manchester United on Sunday would allow them to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League. On Saturday, the Reds’ opponents for the title, Manchester City and Arsenal, respectively, defeated Brighton and Crystal Palace, each with three points.

    Arsenal is currently ahead once more and has a superior goal differential after Mikel Arteta’s team kept another clean sheet. Now that the season is entering its last two months, Daniel Sturridge has given his forecast on the championship race.

    After rising through the ranks at City, he spent seven years at Anfield, where under Jürgen Klopp, he helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019.

    Before the game on Sunday at Old Trafford, Sturridge said to NBC Sports, “You can’t be sure who’s going to win the title, so everyone has got a bit shaky right now.” All three are in their element and everyone is aware of the stakes.

    “Man City’s background will be important, but Arsenal is also eager and wants it.” After what transpired in the previous season, most of these players are hungry and confident they can win their first title.

    “Liverpool hopes to repeat as Premier League winners in Jürgen’s final season. They did so recently.” In other words, each squad really needs the intangibles. Although Man City is trying to make history, the other two have a great deal on the line.

    When asked for his prediction, Sturridge responded, “I’m going to go with Liverpool.” It’s not prejudiced! My instinct is telling me that right now.”

    Arsenal manager Arteta was questioned about the title push that failed to materialise in the latter months of the previous season after his team’s victory against Brighton. You can see that we are older, especially with me,” Arteta said to Sky Sports.

    We had many difficult times together, and as a team, you grow. Although we also signed some amazing players, this is a positive time since the team is healthy and there is a positive vibe and enthusiasm all around. We’ve previously been through that, so I think that helps.”

    According to Liverpool.com, although the final stretch will be nerve-wracking, Liverpool has set itself up nicely to win the championship. Although Liverpool has more experience and is more motivated in Klopp’s last season as manager, City does have the experience. Sturridge was a player for both teams, thus he is impartial. Of course, Arsenal appears to be highly dangerous at the moment as well.