Sky Sports send warning to Roy Keane and Co over verdict in Man City case as pundits are told not to make ‘snap judgements’ after the verdict on their 115 charges
- Outcome of City’s legal battle with the Premier League is expected in near future
- Officials at Sky have also shared a factfile on the long-running case
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Sky Sports have urged their pundits not to ‘make snap judgements’ and to ‘stick to the facts’ before commenting on the forthcoming verdict in the Premier League’s legal battle with Manchester City.
A decision on City’s 115 alleged breaches of the competition’s financial rules is expected in the near future and the broadcaster has written to staff to warn them against jumping to conclusions on air and on social media when the time comes.
Officials at Sky have also shared a factfile on the long-running case which has seen the competition effectively at war with its champions.
They have warned that both sides may claim victory regardless of the outcome and have reminded the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane that any verdict and potential punishment could be subject to an appeal.
The email asks recipients to allow themselves ‘sufficient time to digest the outcome’ and to direct viewers to Sky Sports News for further information and reaction.
Mail Sport understands that the move is aimed at ensuring that the broadcaster is accurate, fair and balanced in its reporting and avoids any controversy in what is an incredibly sensitive matter.
Sky Sports have sent a warning to their pundits over commenting on the outcome of Man City’s legal battle with the Premier League
City were hit with 115 charges by the Premier League and the verdict is expected soon
The matter is viewed as a huge, significant and complex story – which is underlined by bosses taking what is an unusual step ahead of a verdict expected ‘within the next month or so’. The factfile also features a timeline and key quotes.
Last year, Mail Sport reported that City had triumphed over the Premier League in a separate legal battle on rules on sponsorship deals with related parties. At the time, some suggested the verdict was actually a win for the Premier League. The rules were subsequently ruled unlawful in their entirety – and those on the email list have been told to be wary that both sides may ‘attempt to claim victory in some form’ when it comes to the 115 charges.
Caution is also recommended to those who will post on social media following the most-anticipated verdict in football.
City have always strongly refuted any wrongdoing. They are accused of a number of offences over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018 including failing to provide accurate details on player and manager contracts, failing to provide accurate financial information and failing to co-operate with the Premier League’s subsequent investigation.
A wide range of punishments, including hefty fines and points deductions, are available should City be found guilty of some of the more serious alleged breaches. There would also be the prospect of legal action from some of their rivals.
