Man City guilty verdict reignites Liverpool rivalry
LIVERPOOL: Manchester City will face the full fury of Anfield on Sunday when the Premier League leaders confront old rivals Liverpool in their first game since being found guilty of breaking financial rules.
Manchester City has been found guilty of breaking financial rules, which could lead to a severe points penalty or even expulsion from the English top flight. The independent commission revealed that City arranged sham deals to inflate revenues and reduce costs by over £900 million between 2009 and 2018, while they won three Premier League titles and numerous other trophies during this period.
Liverpool, their bitter rivals, expect a hostile reception from their fans at Anfield after the verdict. The Premier League season is currently on hold while an appeal and any potential sanctions are being decided. Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola stated that the uncertainty surrounding the ruling is the worst thing for his team. Liverpool fans believe City should be stripped of their titles to send a strong message and restore trust in the league.
City has dominated their meetings with Liverpool over the past 12 years, winning three Premier League titles and ending second to Liverpool on three occasions, most recently in 2013/14. However, even during their happier times, City have rarely enjoyed their visits to Anfield, with their last win there in front of a crowd coming in 2003.
City currently sit atop the Premier League, having won the treble last season, but their upcoming match against Liverpool is expected to be a hostile affair with intense scrutiny and vitriol directed at their players and fans.
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