Liverpool host Man City in high-stakes Premier League clash

Summarised from 5 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 8 Oct, 12:31 · Archive

Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday in their first meeting since an independent commission found City guilty of 114 financial rule breaches.

Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday in the Premier League fixture that carries particular significance following an independent commission's verdict that City breached the league's financial regulations. The commission found City guilty of 114 of 115 charges, ruling that the club had used 'sham' contracts to disguise more than £830 million in funding between 2009 and 2018. City deny any wrongdoing and have launched an appeal, with a decision expected before the end of the year.

Chris Kavanagh from Greater Manchester has been appointed as referee for the match, with Dan Cook and Nick Greenhalgh as assistants and Andy Madley as fourth official. Paul Howard will oversee VAR. Kavanagh has previously refereed meetings between these teams and was at the centre of controversy during City's home win over Liverpool last season when Virgil van Dijk's equaliser was controversially ruled out. Liverpool made an official complaint about that decision.

Merseyside Police have confirmed that an 'appropriate policing operation' will be in place for the match, though no extra provisions have been put in place beyond standard procedures for major sporting events. Liverpool sources have indicated the fixture will be 'business as usual', though City can expect a hostile atmosphere. City are currently top of the Premier League table under new manager Enzo Maresca, having won all five opening games, while Liverpool are in sixth place under Andoni Iraola despite an unbeaten start.

The commission has the power to impose various sanctions including relegation, unlimited fines, points deductions or a transfer ban. It remains unclear whether City could be stripped of titles won during the nine-year period in question. Liverpool are reported to be among four Premier League clubs that have reserved the right to seek compensation. Some senior figures from the EFL have suggested City should drop to the bottom of the English football pyramid and work their way back up, though these are unofficial views rather than formal positions.

How it is being reported

• Manchester City go to Anfield and is Eckert’s Spygate ban too lenient? | Football Weekly videoMax Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Paul Watson to preview the return of the Premier League including Manchester City’s first game since their guilty verdict Continue reading...Guardian Sport · 8 Oct, 12:56
• Erling Haaland leads the pack as Man City stars return to training for first time since bombshell verdict over Premier League chargesManchester City stars have returned to training for the first time after the club was found guilty of all serious financial breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations nearly two weeks ago.Daily Mail Sport · 8 Oct, 12:26
• Liverpool and Manchester City drove each other to new heights – their Premier League rivalry does not need rewritingRegardless of the Premier League’s verdict on Man City’s charges, Richard Jolly argues there is limited need to question what each club achieved under Jurgen Klopp and Pep GuardiolaIndependent Sport · 8 Oct, 12:18
• Man City discover stance on playing in EFL as chiefs 'make punishment feelings clear'Manchester City have launched an appeal after being found guilty of 114 charges brought against them by the Premier LeagueMirror Sport · 8 Oct, 12:10
• Liverpool vs Man City: Police confirm plan for intense Anfield showdownSunday’s game is Manchester City’s first since they were found guilty of 114 Premier League charges over financial rule breachesEvening Standard · 8 Oct, 10:47
• Liverpool vs Man City referee confirmed ahead of Anfield showdownChris Kavanagh, from Greater Manchester, is one of England’s elite match officialsEvening Standard · 6 Oct, 15:25

In this story: Liverpool · Manchester City · Chris Kavanagh · Enzo Maresca · Virgil van Dijk · Anfield · Premier League · Erling Haaland

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