Gary Neville warns ‘hell will break loose’ if Manchester City win Premier League title

Former Manchester United player and football analyst Gary Neville says “hell will break loose” if Manchester City are crowned Premier League champions this season while the club remains under scrutiny over alleged serious financial breaches.

Manchester City are facing continued uncertainty after being found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period. The club were also found guilty of most of the charges concerning an alleged failure to co-operate with the league’s investigations.

The allegations accuse Manchester City of systematically breaking Premier League rules for almost a decade. A major report into the club’s 130 charges also claimed that £900m had been concealed through “sham” commercial deals.

Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and have pledged to prove their innocence after submitting a formal appeal.

The club could face a substantial points deduction or a huge financial penalty, although its decision to pursue a legal battle may make the process more complicated.

Neville believes the case must be resolved by February or March to avoid the possibility of Manchester City lifting the Premier League trophy before a decision is reached.

“It would be extremely difficult to watch Manchester City win the league this year,” Neville said on The Overlap Daily, according to The Sun.

“If Manchester City lift the Premier League trophy in May, I think hell will break loose. I believe this needs to be dealt with by February or March.”

Neville also claimed Manchester City would fail the Premier League’s owners and directors test, based on his experience of the requirements through his ownership of Salford City.

He said: “As an owner and a director, I am aware of the actual standards required for this test. If it is the same test I have to follow to be a director and owner, they will fail it. It is as simple as that.”