Micah Richards “Absolutely Devastated” After Man City Ruling

Micah Richards has expressed his heartbreak after Manchester City were found guilty of 114 English Premier League (EPL) financial violations following an independent commission hearing.

The charges span the 2008/09 to 2017/18 seasons, with the EPL concluding that City used “sham” contracts to inflate revenues by over £830 million.

On Wednesday, 30 September, the 38-year-old former Man City defender admitted that he felt “saddened, angry, and confused” by the news during a recording of The Rest is Football podcast.

“I saw the words used by the Premier League in sham contracts and I felt absolutely devastated,” Richards said. “I’ve been at that club since I was 14 years old, I would die for that club. I achieved my dream at Manchester City, but then to hear these reports, and not only me as an ex-player, but the fans, what they have to go through, absolutely devastating.”

The verdict has triggered fierce reactions across English football. Pundit Roy Keane claimed City’s titles were “the result of cheating” and stated players should “put those medals in the bin.” Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher argued the club’s titles should be stripped, lamenting that rival teams were robbed of historic moments.

Manchester City strongly deny all charges, maintaining the allegations are false. The club has until 2 October to submit a formal appeal. If upheld, potential sanctions range from heavy points deductions and transfer bans to outright expulsion from the EPL.

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