Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has said Manchester City players should throw their medals away if the club is eventually stripped of titles over financial-rule breaches.
Speaking after the premier league announced that City had been found guilty of 115 charges bordering on financial regulations, Keane said the achievements of City’s players during the period under investigation had been undermined by the alleged financial misconduct.
“If I was a player, I’d be 100% sticking those medals in the bin. Of course you would, it’s cheating,” Keane told ITV Sport.
“They won it on the pitch because cheating was going on.”
The Premier League has found Manchester City guilty of breaching its financial regulations during a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. City have continued to deny any wrongdoing and are expected to appeal the decision.
The club won eight trophies during the period in question, including three Premier League titles.
Keane also criticised Manchester City, saying: “They knew it would hurt a lot of people, but they’ve still done it.”
Former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney, however, offered a different perspective on whether United should receive titles retrospectively if City are stripped of them.
Rooney was part of the United team that finished behind City in the 2011-12 Premier League season.
Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, Rooney said: “I wouldn’t feel comfortable about accepting another Premier League medal if I’m being honest, because I don’t think we deserve it.
“We didn’t do enough that season to win the league.”
Rooney added that he could understand why City players would be disappointed if titles were removed, particularly those who may not have been aware of decisions or activities taking place above them.
Manchester City are yet to receive any sanctions, with possible punishment including the removal of Premier League titles. The club are expected to appeal the ruling.
