Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane says Manchester City players should discard their medals if the club is stripped of titles over financial-rule breaches.
Speaking ahead of England’s meeting with the Czech Republic on Tuesday, Keane said the alleged violations had tainted City’s achievements during the period under investigation.
“If I was a player, I’d be 100% sticking those medals in the bin. Of course you would, it’s cheating,” Keane told ITV Sport.
“They won it on the pitch because cheating was going on.”
The Premier League found City guilty of financial breaches covering nine seasons between 2009 and 2018. The club denies wrongdoing and is expected to appeal.
City collected eight major trophies during the period, including three Premier League titles.
Keane also criticised the club, saying: “They knew it would hurt a lot of people, but they’ve still done it.”
Former United teammate Wayne Rooney, however, questioned whether rival clubs should inherit titles if City are stripped of them.
Rooney was part of the United team that finished behind City in the dramatic 2011-12 Premier League campaign.
Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, he said: “I wouldn’t feel comfortable about accepting another Premier League medal if I’m being honest, because I don’t think we deserve it.
“We didn’t do enough that season to win the league.”
Rooney also said he could understand the frustration of City players who may have been unaware of decisions made by senior officials.
The Premier League has yet to announce City’s punishment, with possible sanctions including the removal of titles. The club is expected to challenge the ruling.
