Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has told Manchester City players to throw their medals away if the club is stripped of titles over financial-rule breaches.
Keane said the achievements of City players during the period under investigation had been undermined by the Premier League’s findings, insisting that the alleged financial misconduct had tainted the club’s success.
Speaking ahead of England’s match against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, Keane told ITV Sport: “If I was a player, I’d be 100% sticking those medals in the bin. Of course you would, it’s cheating.
“They won it on the pitch because cheating was going on.”
The Premier League has found Manchester City guilty of financial-rule breaches covering a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. City have continued to deny wrongdoing and are expected to appeal the ruling.
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During the period in question, City won eight trophies, including three Premier League titles.
Keane also criticised the club over the alleged breaches, saying: “They knew it would hurt a lot of people, but they’ve still done it.”
However, Keane’s former Manchester United teammate, Wayne Rooney, has taken a different position on whether United should be handed City’s titles retrospectively if sanctions eventually lead to their removal.
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Rooney was part of the United side that finished runners-up to City in the 2011-12 Premier League season.
Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, Rooney said he would not want to receive a title years after the season had been completed.
“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,” he said.
Rooney also said he would understand the disappointment of City players who may not have been aware of activities allegedly taking place at the club’s higher levels.
The Premier League has yet to announce sanctions against City following the ruling. Possible punishment could include the removal of Premier League titles, while City are expected to challenge the decision through the appeal process.