Roy Keane claims Man City's financial charges

‘If they are innocent then relax’: Roy Keane claims Man City’s financial charges situation is ‘straightforward’ and they shouldn’t rise to accusations if they’re not founded – but should face the consequences if guilty

Roy Keane discussed the situation at Manchester City from player perspective
The former United midfielder says City must focus on winning football matches
Gary Neville believes there will be a ‘major loser’ between City and the League

Published: 01:03, 13 February 2023 | Updated: 01:10, 13 February 2023

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has called on Manchester City to ‘relax’ despite recent charges by the Premier League.

City were this week charged with 115 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules with the club potentially facing up to a raft of punishments. They will contend the charges with the club insisting they are innocent of all the allegations.

And, on Friday, in his first appearance in front of the media following Monday’s bombshell revelations, Guardiola came out fighting.

But Keane has called on City to focus on winning games but insisted they have to be punished if found guilty of breaching rules.

‘I generally think most players I know are quite selfish… they just want to focus on the team performance,’ he said when asked by Sky Sports about the charges and the affect it could have on players.

Roy Keane has called on Man City to ‘relax’ despite recent charges by the Premier League

‘Obviously it’s their own contract situation. From Man City’s point of view, the fans will have been delighted by Pep’s response in the media, he did come out fighting.

‘If Man City are innocent then everyone should relax. Pep should relax, people getting uptight – Man City have got to get back to trying to win football matches.

‘I think from a dressing room point of view, if you were a player there today going into this game against Villa, you’re thinking all your focus would be on beating Aston Villa.

‘If they are found guilty then you have to be punished, it’s pretty straight forward.

The former Man United midfielder says Pep Guardiola’s side should focus on winning matches

‘Pep, like he said in that piece there… he’s obviously speaking to people above him – the chairman, the CEO and people that run the club – he said they’ve told him they’re innocent, then just get on with it.’

Meanwhile, Gary Neville believes the reputation of one of Manchester City or the Premier League will take a hit once the issue is settled.

‘There’s going to be a major loser here,’ the former United right-back said.

‘The Premier League are going to be found to be incompetent if they can’t land the charges and if they do land the charges it’s going to tarnish the last 10 years for many people.’