‘Steven Gerrard wouldn’t want it this way’ – Ex-Liverpool star demands lasting Man City punishment

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has stated that Manchester City must face severe, lasting punishments such as relegation or heavy points deductions rather than mere financial fines. His comments follow an independent Commission finding City guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018, which reportedly boosted the club's income by more than £900m.

Johnson, who missed out on the 2013-14 title to City, explained that retrospectively awarding trophies would be meaningless to former players like himself and Steven Gerrard. He argued that sanctions should be severe enough that City lose players and take a long time to recover, warning that fans are losing interest in watching the club.