Andy Burnham Insists He Did Not 'Downplay Seriousness' Of Man City Row

Andy Burnham has insisted he did not “downplay” the seriousness of the claims against Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners after he faced intense backlash for his initial response to the row.

An independent commission concluded the club had inflated its revenue and hidden costs through “sham” commercial deals last week.

It was found guilty of multiple breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.

The findings could see City hit with a massive points deduction, huge fine and could even lead to them being stripped of their titles.

The club’s owners have denied all the charges against them and are expected to appeal the ruling.

The prime minister – and former Manchester mayor – said last week he would be “really concerned to lose” the owners if they decided to sell up.

The PM said there was “a lot at stake ... for the football club, for city supporters, for the city of Manchester”.

His words were met with condemnation from politicians and senior figures in football.

According to the BBC, some Premier League clubs were “astonished” by his comments and have expressed concern about political interference in the appeal process.

But speaking today, Burnham said: “I haven’t downplayed the seriousness of the findings.

“They are findings that need to be considered with great care and seriousness, and then the process that considers them needs to be fully independent.

“I said that last week and I’ll repeat it again today. I think it’s incumbent on everybody now to let the process run its course.

“I think it’s important to separate the football issues from wider investment. The football issues have to be looked at fully and that is without question.”

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