The journalist Giovanni Armanini, speaking during the TMW Radio broadcast on Tuttomercatoweb, expressed his opinion on the Manchester City case, underlining the importance of the fans' reactions and the potential repercussions on English and European football.
Armanini noted that, on Sunday, City supporters showed up in the stands with bananas, a gesture that recalls the traditions of the 1980s and which, according to him, symbolizes unconditional loyalty towards the team. “Despite the concerns, football is a game of passion and this reaction is commendable,” he said. He also highlighted how the fans' solidarity was appreciated, even though accusations of responsibility often target the fans, not the players or the club.
Regarding the legal procedure, Armanini explained that the case is still in the appeal phase and that, after a failed plea bargaining attempt, the matter will be brought before ordinary justice. “It will take years to resolve this matter,” he said, anticipating that the final sentence could be issued between February and March, with the possibility of further appeals.
The expert also highlighted how City's situation could have a wider impact on football's regulatory system. “If the Premier League fails to deliver transparent justice in 20 years, fans will lose faith in competitions,” he noted. In this context, Armanini predicted that a ruling in favor of the appeal could lead to significant changes not only in the Premier League but also at a European level, where differences in turnover between clubs can drastically influence results.
Finally, Armanini concluded that, whatever the outcome, the Manchester City case represents a turning point for English football. “The club has spent like many others, but if the allegations of breaches are proven to be true, the regulations will need to be reviewed to ensure real fairness,” he said. The next step will be to hear the appeal and, subsequently, the sentence which, according to the expert, could radically change the competitive landscape of European football.