No 10 says Manchester City are not ‘above the rules’ after backlash to Andy Burnham

Downing Street has insisted Manchester City are not “above the rules” following criticism of comments made by Andy Burnham about the club’s breaches of Premier League financial regulations.

According to MyJoyOnline, Downing Street issued the rebuke after Mr Burnham was criticised for his remarks about the club’s rule breaches. The outlet said the response came as Mr Burnham faced a backlash for those comments.

The prime minister was reported by the BBC as saying he would be “really concerned” if the club’s owners decided to sell up in the wake of the ruling on the Premier League breaches. The BBC attributed that comment to the prime minister’s office.

Both outlets link the Downing Street statement and the prime minister’s remark to the wider reaction to Mr Burnham’s comments, but they do not provide further detail on what Mr Burnham specifically said or on any immediate response from Manchester City.

Why it matters

The responses from Downing Street and the prime minister were prompted by public and political attention to the Premier League’s findings about Manchester City. According to the reports, the exchanges underline government sensitivity to high-profile sporting governance issues and to statements by public figures that draw criticism.

No additional facts about the club’s internal decisions or any investor moves were reported by these outlets at the time of their coverage.