‘I feel let down’ – Micah Richards breaks ranks with urgent demand to Man City owners after guilty verdict

The former Manchester City right-back admitted he is 'devastated' over the club's guilty verdict.

Former Manchester City right-back Micah Richards has made a direct request to the club’s owners in relation to the recent guilty verdict over breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

Richards was covering City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield when he made the comments and admitted he was ‘devastated’ by the verdict.

City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League after an independent commission review. They could face a range of punishments, including suspension from playing in the league, points deductions, the replaying of matches, expulsion from the league, being ordered to pay compensation to other clubs, automatic relegation and even the stripping of titles.

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City have already appealed the verdict and say they have a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists” to support their position.

And on Sunday (October 11), while speaking on Sky Sports, former City star Richards called on the club’s owners to make what they believe is ‘irrefutable evidence’ public knowledge.

When asked how he felt about the situation, given the fact he was part of the 2011/12 Premier League-winning side, Richards replied: “I would say I feel devastated, mainly because of what the fans have had to go through and endure over this period. I came through the Man City academy after joining when I was 14.

"There’s all the noise around Man City — what should happen and what shouldn’t happen — and I put my neck on the line for this club.

"They’ve given me this amazing opportunity to go all the way through the academy and then break into the first team. My dream was to win the FA Youth Cup; I missed out on that.

"Then I won the FA Cup and moved on to the Premier League. So, for that to be in question now is very confusing.

"You’ve got one side saying there are charges, and you’ve got Man City’s side saying they’ve got irrefutable evidence. It just leaves me, the fans and everyone at the club in a devastating situation."

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Richards then proceeded to admit he felt “let down” by how long the process had “dragged” on before urging City’s hierarchy to show fans the evidence they say they have.

“I want to see it. Make it easier for the fans, because they’re the last to know about everything,” he added.

"But what can we possibly do as players? We go out on the pitch and give 100 per cent.

"I’ve literally got one knee giving 100 per cent for Manchester City Football Club; that’s how much I love this club, and I would do anything for this club because of the opportunity they have given me.

"I’m in a difficult situation now where I’m being questioned, whether it be integrity, medals or whatever it may be.

"But I know I gave everything, 100 per cent, for that club, and that’s all I could have done as a player."

The result of the appeal is expected within the next 12 weeks and will be made public within 30 days.

City return to action against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday (October 14).

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Topics: Premier League, Micah Richards, Football News

Luke has covered sport – including football, MMA, cricket, and boxing – for SPORTbible since 2024, having previously freelanced at Reach and JOE. When he isn't writing for SPORTbible, he's following Everton home and away. Luke also created and hosted a podcast interviewing guests from singers and bands to footballers and boxers.

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