Micah Richards Devastated by Manchester City Verdict

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards stated he was "absolutely devastated" upon reading the Premier League's "damning" guilty verdict against the club concerning financial charges. The independent commission found that City arranged "sham contracts" with commercial partners to disguise over £830 million in secret funding.

The league confirmed City's guilt on all charges related to breaches of financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, and all but one charge for failing to cooperate with the investigation. Manchester City has maintained its innocence and has until October 2 to submit an appeal.

During the nine-year period in question, Manchester City won the Premier League three times, with Richards being part of the squad that secured the title in the 2011-12 season.

"The reports were troubling," Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast. "I saw the words which were used by the Premier League in 'sham contracts' and I felt absolutely devastated."

He described his long-standing connection to the club, having been there since he was 14 years old. "I would die for that club. I achieved my dream at Manchester City, but then to hear these reports, and not only me as an ex-player, but the fans, what they have to go through, absolutely devastating."

Richards recalled a conversation with his former "digs man," a long-term supporter who was in tears. "My digs man, he rang me and he was literally in tears and asking me about information, which I don't know. I haven't got the answers to tell him."

He added, "That's someone who's supported the club for 60-odd years and the uncertainty around it is just heartbreaking. To have a headline of this nature for a club that I love so much, it's been difficult. If you listen to the reports, they are damning. I feel saddened, I feel angry, I feel a little bit confused because, on the other side, you have City's side of the story."

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak stated that the club remains confident in proving its innocence. In a video message to staff and players, chief executive Ferran Soriano asserted that "irrefutable evidence" had been "ignored" by the commission.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher commented on the impact on the players, suggesting their careers might now carry an "asterisk" or be considered a "sham." He expressed that the players were informed everything was in order and described the current statements from City's hierarchy as "gaslighting."

Carragher believes the titles won during that period should be removed from City's record. "The players were told everything was fine. What the [City] hierarchy are coming out with now, they're just gaslighting. I think the titles should be taken off their list. Whether other clubs get them is probably slightly different. City have not just hurt their own players."

He added, "Those players will never get that feeling and it was robbed by Man City. No-one remembers the medal. Giving trophies or medals back, it doesn't mean anything. It's not about medals, it's about feelings."