Arsenal Slammed for ‘Far Worse’ Actions Than Man City’s 115 Charges in £60m Controversy

The London club has reportedly been one of the most vocal in demanding that expulsion from the Premier League should be an option if City is found guilty.

Arsenal Slammed for ‘Far Worse’ Actions Than Man City’s 115 Charges in £60m Controversy

The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester City has transcended the pitch, with mounting tensions off it regarding financial ethics, governance, and ownership structures. Recent developments have intensified the debate, particularly as Arsenal has become vocal in criticizing City’s ownership model, despite its own financial affiliations raising eyebrows.

Following City’s dramatic 98th-minute equalizer against Arsenal, the tension between the clubs has only grown. While both Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta have worked to keep things professional, the friction between the clubs at the executive level continues to simmer. Arsenal’s stance on Manchester City’s ownership and financial operations has particularly drawn attention.

Kieran Maguire, a football finance expert and author of The Price of Football, highlighted the irony in Arsenal’s criticisms of City. “It does seem strange that Arsenal, who are sponsored by Emirates and play in the Emirates Stadium, are so hostile towards another club that is owned by somebody from the Middle East,” Maguire pointed out. He noted the club’s £60m-a-year deal with the UAE-funded airline Emirates, which covers sponsorship for both the stadium and the team’s kits.

Yet, the Arsenal hierarchy, particularly vice-chair Tim Lewis, has been outspoken against state ownership in football. Maguire commented on the geopolitical underpinnings of this situation, noting that proximity does not equal alignment. “Just because two institutions are close geographically doesn’t mean they are friends,” he said.

The growing animosity is exacerbated by Arsenal’s firm stance regarding Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle over 115 alleged financial breaches. The London club has reportedly been one of the most vocal in demanding that expulsion from the Premier League should be an option if City is found guilty. According to Maguire, “City have not been found guilty of anything to date. To publicly say that City should be expelled is trying to put undue pressure on the commission.”

However, some see Arsenal’s position as hypocritical, considering their involvement in the 2021 Super League project, which many argue posed a greater threat to English football than any financial mismanagement by City. “That would have been far worse for English football than anything City or any other individual club have done,” Maguire remarked.

As the battle between these two clubs intensifies, the fractures extend beyond just football matters. With their contrasting ownership models and increasing hostility, the next few months could see even more fireworks off the field.

Arsenal Slammed for ‘Far Worse’ Actions Than Man City’s 115 Charges in £60m Controversy

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