After the ruling by the independent commission regarding Manchester City, English fans have begun to discuss not only possible punishments for the club but also more radical scenarios moving forward. Suggestions range from boycotting matches, stripping previous titles, to even expelling City from professional leagues for several years.
It’s important to note that these discussions are purely fan-led opinions online and do not reflect any plans from the Premier League, Liverpool, or other clubs. Liverpool themselves have not announced any intention to boycott matches against City.
One fan suggested that pressure should start with the Merseysiders. The idea would see Liverpool players walk off the pitch during their next match against Manchester City, after which the remaining Premier League teams could refuse to play against City until sanctions are determined.
The commentator stated:
I think things are becoming much more politicised. The only way to force a quick decision that’s in our control is to boycott matches against Manchester City.
A truly strong move would be for Liverpool to walk off the pitch in the next match and for the rest of the league’s teams to refuse to play against City until sanctions are announced.
Another fan proposed an even more unusual approach: stripping City of their championship titles for the seasons 2011/12, 2013/14, and 2017/18, while simultaneously imposing a conditional deduction of 100 points. According to this fan’s idea, the penalty would come into effect if the club were to attempt to halt the trophy stripping through legal action.
Yet another supporter feels that even a straightforward relegation wouldn't suffice. They suggested that Manchester City should be banned from the Premier League and the English Football League for five years, after which the club would have to work their way back up the football pyramid.
A counterpoint discussed in the comments is what will happen to the current season while the final punishment remains undetermined. Fans are questioning how to account for City’s match results if the team is ultimately expelled from the league or receives a hefty points penalty.
Not all participants in the discussion are calling for the harshest action. One reader admitted that they have practically lost interest in the scandal, believing that financial manipulations have become such a normal part of modern English football that further revelations no longer surprise them.
For now, this remains a fan-driven debate. Any actual punishment for Manchester City will need to be determined by football authorities, and ideas like boycotts, 100-point deductions, or five-year bans are not officially under consideration as potential sanctions.
