Robertson defends Manchester City players after reported financial-rules verdict

Andy Robertson has defended Manchester City's players after reports that the club had been found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. The Scotland captain said their performances on the field should be distinguished from the actions of the club, according to reporting by The National, as the long-running disciplinary case prompted fresh reaction across football.

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Speaking while on international duty ahead of Scotland's match in Slovenia, the former Liverpool defender said he had not yet seen the news when it was put to him. He acknowledged that he did not know much about the charges, but recalled the quality of the City teams he had faced and the battles he had enjoyed against them.

Robertson's response focused on the footballers rather than offering an assessment of the case. During his nine seasons at Liverpool, he was a regular opponent of City in the title race. He said the players had demonstrated their ability on the pitch and should not be held responsible for their club's conduct, The National reported.

BBC Sport reported that a decision had been reached after The Athletic said City had been found guilty on almost all charges. The written judgment had not yet been made public, and sanctions remained a separate stage of the process. City have consistently denied wrongdoing, while the Premier League declined to comment when approached on Friday.

In a statement reported by the BBC, City said the Premier League proceedings were continuing, with important elements still outstanding and confidentiality requirements still applying. The club maintained the position it had set out when charged in February 2023. The hearing before an independent commission began in September 2024, following an investigation that had already lasted several years.

An appeal is expected, according to BBC Sport, but the timing of a final resolution remains unclear. Potential disciplinary measures include financial penalties, points deductions or removal from the Premier League; none was confirmed in the reporting. Robertson's defence of the players therefore comes before any announced sanction or settled outcome on the future of City's honours.