Harry Redknapp, the former manager of Tottenham, has called for strict punishment of Manchester City following the club’s recent ruling by an independent commission for breaching financial fair play regulations.
“The finding that Manchester City is guilty on nearly all charges brought by the Premier League is a staggering moment for football. It’s hard to imagine the full extent of its repercussions and how many people it will affect. Many will feel entitled to seek justice if City’s appeal is rejected, and I count myself among them.
During the period covered by the allegations, I was managing Tottenham, consistently competing with them for Champions League qualification. In the consecutive 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons, we finished just outside the Champions League spots. Who knows how things might have ended if Etihad had played by the rules like everyone else? No one can say for sure, but Tottenham fans won’t be alone in feeling cheated during those campaigns.”
Redknapp also warned that revisiting the results of those previous seasons could seriously damage the league, which is admired worldwide. “Of course, City should be punished and made an example of, but it would make far more sense for any sanctions to apply to future seasons for all involved.
When all is said and done, they must face tough consequences, but no matter how unfair it feels, it would be madness to go back and rewrite the past results,” Redknapp concluded.
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