- Sherwood made a rogue comment on Gillette Soccer Saturday about Man City
- Moments after, an apology was issued to the club on behalf of Sky Sports
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Sky Sports issued an awkward apology to Man City on Gillette Soccer Saturday after Tim Sherwood made some controversial comments regarding their transfer business.
The former Tottenham and Blackburn midfielder was joined on the panel by Paul Merson and presenter Simon Thomas.
The pundits were discussing City’s activity in the January transfer window, as Pep Guardiola has strengthened his side with three new arrivals this month.
Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis have all arrived at the Etihad Stadium as the eight-time Premier League champions look to triumph in a nail-biting top four race.
Sherwood noted that City’s liveliness in the window is particularly odd, considering they face 115 charges from the Premier League for allegedly breaching multiple financial rules, and for failing to co-operate with a subsequent investigation.
He said: ‘They seem to be the only team who can spend money, and they’ve got 115 [charges] over their head.’
Tim Sherwood made a rogue comment about the Premier League’s charges against Man City
Gillette Soccer Saturday presenter, Simon Thomas, then apologised on behalf of Sky Sports
City’s hearing against the Premier League concluded at the start of December last year
Speaking after an ad break at 3pm, Thomas insisted that Sherwood’s views do not reflect those of Sky Sports, and apologised for the comment.
He said: ‘Welcome back, before we get underway, the whistles going around the country, we had a conversation earlier today in the build up about Manchester City, their transfer business.
‘There was a comment made about Man City and the rules. I just want to say that they are absolutely not the views of Sky Sports and we apologise to Manchester City for those comments.’
City’s hearing against the Premier League concluded at the start of December, having begun on September 16 at London’s International Dispute Resolution Centre.
Should City, who strongly refute any wrongdoing, be found guilty of some of the more serious charges, they could be hit with huge financial penalties, points deductions or even relegation.
An initial verdict is expected in the next few months. However, as Mail Sport previously reported, it is highly likely that – should an agreement not be reached – each side would launch an appeal against the forthcoming verdict.
And, should that be the case, a final decision may not be delivered until the end of next season, with a state of damaging limbo continuing.
City’s alleged rule breaking is claimed to have taken place over a 14-year period. The original 115 charges have been extended to a total of 130 after an administration issue.
The 115 charges are for breaching financial rules and failing to co-operate with an investigation
The league, led by CEO Richard Masters, has been investigating City for more than five years
The four-in-a-row champions are accused of failing to report accurate financial information for nine seasons stretching from 2009-10 to 2017-18, as well as failing to provide full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay between 2009-10 and 2012-13.
They are also alleged to have failed to provide full details of monies paid to players between 2010-11 and 2015-16 and failing to co-operate with the probe from 2018 to 2023.
The Premier League, led by CEO Richard Masters, has been investigating City for more than five years.
The competition’s senior barrister is Adam Lewis KC while Lord Pannick led City’s defence. Both are from Blackstone Chambers.
