Some former Liverpool players are already expecting Premier League titles to come their way after Manchester City was found guilty of almost all its 115 charges, but the verdict could be bad news for one Reds legend
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| James Milner could lose some of his Premier League medals if Manchester City is stripped of its titles(Image: Getty Images) |
While Manchester City being found guilty of the charges brought against it by the Premier League might end up being good news for some Liverpool players of the past, for one Reds legend, it could mean his trophy cabinet takes a major hit.
According to reports, City has been found guilty on almost all of the charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations following an independent hearing, which concluded at the end of 2024.
That could lead to a serious punishment, with all manner of sanctions on the table from fines to relegation, and the possibility that the club could be stripped of some of its titles.
According to The Athletic, City has been found guilty on all but one of the 115 charges, but while no sanctions have been handed down yet, the club is expected to appeal.
That could therefore delay any potential punishments being handed out - not that it’ll stop some players from dreaming.
Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has already declared himself a champion after news of the guilty verdict broke on Friday, and Reds fans will be hoping that Steven Gerrard will finally get the league title he craved throughout his career.
One Liverpool legend, though, could actually end up losing two of his winners’ medals should City be stripped of any of its titles.
James Milner was, of course, part of the Liverpool squad that won the 2020 Premier League title, just a year after lifting the Champions League. Before that, though, he had already got his hands on a couple of league crowns while playing for City.
The former midfielder, who retired from playing earlier this year, was part of the City squad which won the 2011/12 title, with Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp goal on the final day seeing the club pip Manchester United to top spot.
Just two years later, Milner was celebrating again as City beat Liverpool to the 2013/14 title by two points, with Brendan Rodgers’ side running out of steam by the end of the campaign.
Both of those titles, along with the 2017/18 title, fall within the nine-year period that has been under investigation over the past few years, and although he joined Liverpool on a free transfer in 2015, that means Milner could end up losing two of the three league titles he won during his career.
It’s unlikely that Milner will have to give up his titles anytime soon, with City expected to appeal the guilty verdict, having maintained its innocence throughout the process.
A City spokesperson told The Athletic: “The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023.
“The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
- James Findlater
