Rock star Liam Gallagher has slammed the Premier League for being "big bullies" after they announced they had charged Manchester City with more than 100 breaches of rules.
The majority of the charges relate to alleged breaches of financial rules, which have taken place over a 14-year period. A commission will now investigate the charges and if found guilty, City face fines, points deductions or even expulsion from the Premier League.
It is an extraordinary development against one of the top-flight's perennial title winners. But famous City fan and former Oasis frontman Gallagher has been left furious by the Premier League's actions.
Gallagher blasted the league for bringing charges against only City and called on them to launch investigations against other teams. He tweeted: "The Premier league are BIG BULLYS [sic] Investigate 1 Investigate them all you shower of s***."
The Premier League announced they would be bringing charges against City on Monday afternoon. They confirmed an independent commission would now investigate the charges and would be the ones to decide any punishment.
"In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club (Club) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4," the league said in a statement.
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"Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.
"The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website.
"This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1. The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice."
City themselves fired back at the Premier League, insisting they had been left blindsided by the issuing of the breaches. They also announced their plan to defend themselves before the commission and put the matter to bed.
"Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with," a club statement read.
"The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."
