Football law expert gives Man City appeal verdict after guilty verdict amid Arsenal title race

Manchester City’s guilty verdict on almost all 115 Premier League financial charges has sent shockwaves through English football.

It is a story which obviously has major implications for Arsenal’s title race. City currently sit three points above the Gunners at the top of the Premier League, and you would think that any points deduction would have significant consequences for where this season’s trophy ends up.

City have indicated they will appeal. But according to football law and finance expert Stefan Borson, speaking on talkSPORT, that appeal is going to be extremely difficult.

“I have to say that an appeal, on the facts, is highly unlikely to succeed,” Borson said. “The decision itself will be scathing, in terms of the club’s conduct, the conduct of individuals, the behaviour of individuals in the hearing itself, in terms of their credibility. There won’t be any hiding place when that decision is published.”

On the sanctions themselves, Borson said: “I think ultimately City are now going to have to take the punishment, which will come down the line. And it will be severe. I mean there’s no question — having been found guilty of everything, the punishment will be absolutely severe.”

That is quite the uncomfortable indictment for City. It should be stressed, though, that this is something that could drag out for weeks and weeks given the seriousness of the case and the fact that City are going to appeal.

But Borson is adamant that City are in “very, very serious trouble”. If he’s right, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal could be in an incredible position to dominate the next few years in the Premier League.