Man City fans split between doomscrolling and defiance after guilty verdict
October 9, 2026 11:40
Manchester City were found guilty of the majority of 115 charges relating to the period from 2009-10 to 2017-18, a verdict later confirmed by the Premier League. The club continue to deny the charges and are appealing; the appeal outcome and any sanctions remain unknown.
FAN REACTIONS
Supporters spoken to by BBC Sport describe a rollercoaster of emotions since the verdicts began to emerge 14 days ago. Steven McInerney, a 41-year-old City fan, said: "It's been one of the longest weeks of my life. It feels like the situation is changing every few seconds." He added: "My mood's varied between doomscrolling and catastrophising to suddenly feeling quite defiant and thinking this is just football."
Rachel Herdson, a season ticket holder since 1989, told BBC Sport: "Last Friday, when I went to bed, I was a Manchester City fan. I woke up a City fan. And guess what? Even after the bombshell, the Premier League statement, I am still a City fan." She said the club's appeal gives her "more belief" they will clear their name while acknowledging the club's reputation is being tarnished.
Some fans are preparing visible displays at the next big away match: supporter groups have organised an "old-school away day" at Anfield, asking the travelling support to wear retro shirts and take inflatables — a longstanding City supporter tradition.
WHY IT MATTERS
If the club's appeal is unsuccessful, the range of possible punishments described in reporting includes a substantial fine, points deduction, transfer bans and even expulsion from the Premier League. That uncertainty is reshaping how supporters are experiencing matches and club achievements from the period in question, during which City won the Premier League three times, including the 2013-14 title.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The club's appeal process remains the key outstanding development and no outcome or sanctions have been announced. Manchester City will return to action after the international break with an away match against Liverpool.
KEY FACTS
- Verdicts relate to alleged breaches from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
- A majority of 115 charges were found proven; the Premier League confirmed the verdicts.
- Manchester City deny the charges and are appealing.
- Possible sanctions reported include a fine, points deduction, transfer bans and expulsion; no sanctions have been imposed.
- Supporters have organised an "old-school away day" at Anfield with retro shirts and inflatables.