Man City not ‘above the rules’, says No 10 after backlash to Burnham remarks

Downing Street has firmly stated that Manchester City are not "above the rules" following backlash over comments made by former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his concern if the club's owners decide to sell up after the independent commission found most of the 115 charges they faced guilty.

This statement was met with criticism from the Tories and many within the football community, who found it "completely out of touch" and "extraordinary". Downing Street clarified that the PM's initial judgement was serious, and the independent process should be allowed to run its course. City has until Friday to submit an appeal, with sources suggesting they may argue that key sponsorship deals were funded by the Abu Dhabi government, not the club's owners.

Burnham, who is not directly involved in the process, expressed his concern about potential loss of the club and reiterated his stance that the rules should apply equally to all.