Man City not 'above the rules', says No 10 after backlash to Burnham remarks

Downing Street has said Manchester City are not "above the rules" after Andy Burnham was criticised for his comments about the club's breaches of Premier League financial rules.

The prime minister said on Wednesday he would be "really concerned" if the club's owners decided to sell up after City were found guilty by an independent commission of most of the 115 charges they faced.

His remarks were branded "completely out of touch" and "extraordinary" by the Tories and took many in the football community by surprise.

In a statement following the backlash, Downing Street said the PM had made clear "the initial judgement is serious and there can't be any suggestion that anyone is above the rules".

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In an attempt to clarify the PM's position, a No 10 spokesperson added: "He also stressed that it is an ongoing independent process. It is essential that it is allowed to run its course and the outcome respected.

"Wherever wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face the appropriate consequences."