Sky Sports have been preparing their pundits for the verdict in the Premier League’s financial case against Manchester City, and want them to be careful what they say
Sky Sports have warned their star pundits to ‘stick to the facts’ when the verdict on the Manchester City financial charges is finally announced.
A resolution in the City case is expected very soon, with the club denying the 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. A legal battle between City and the Premier League has stirred up the passions of football fans of all clubs, and Sky Sports are determined not to add to the controversy by their pundits making off-hand, flippant remarks.
The Mail report that a memo has been sent to pundits, who include Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane, Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher and former Manchester City favourite Micah Richards, stating that they cannot make ‘snap judgements’ when it comes to the verdict being announced.
It is added that both sides may well claim a form of victory whatever happens with the case, and that an appeal to any potential punishment is likely to be forthcoming.
Sky have also circulated a document with all of the facts of the case for pundits and presenters to peruse, and say that any on-air talent needs to give themselves ‘sufficient time to digest the outcome’ before commenting, and urge viewers to get their information from the journalists at Sky Sports News as the story is breaking.
Sky Sports want to ensure they are reporting the story accurately and don’t want to generate any negative headlines as a result of one of their pundits saying the wrong thing.
City have been accused of a wide-ranging number of offences including failure to provide correct information on contracts, failing to provide accurate financial results and failing to co-operate with the Premier League’s investigation over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. They have always denied any wrongdoing.
Punishments including fines, points deductions and possible relegation from the Premier League have long been speculated upon should City be found guilty, while rival clubs have also been exploring their options for potential legal claims.
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