(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has urged the club’s owners to publish evidence supporting their appeal against a guilty verdict.
City were found guilty of 114 of 115 charges relating to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
An independent commission reviewed the case.
The club has appealed and said it has a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists” to support its position.
Richards, who lives in Yorkshire, made his comments on Sky Sports after covering City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on October 11. He was part of City’s 2011-12 Premier League-winning team.
Asked how he felt about the verdict, Mr Richards said: “I would say I feel devastated, mainly because of what the fans have had to go through and endure over this period.”
He said his connection with the club began when he joined its academy at 14.
Richards said: “You’ve got one side saying there are charges, and you’ve got Man City’s side saying they’ve got irrefutable evidence. It just leaves me, the fans and everyone at the club in a devastating situation.”
City could face several punishments if the verdict stands.
These include suspension from the Premier League, a points deduction, replayed matches, expulsion, compensation payments to other clubs, automatic relegation and the removal of titles.
Richards said he felt “let down” by the time taken to complete the process and called on the club’s hierarchy to release the evidence.
He added: “I want to see it. Make it easier for the fans, because they’re the last to know about everything.”
He also said players could only focus on their performances.
Richards said: “But what can we possibly do as players? We go out on the pitch and give 100 per cent.”
The appeal result is expected within 12 weeks and will be made public within 30 days.