Man City set for huge punishment as 'insiders' reveal likely sanctions

Newcastle United don't face Manchester City until our Boxing Day clash at St James' Park, and it may be the last time we face them on Tyneside for quite some time.

According to a major new report from the Daily Mail, Man City could be facing punishments that keep them out of the Premier League for several seasons,

The report claims a 'huge' points deduction is the most likely outcome of City's financial rules case following 115 charges, with the extent of those sanctions potentially keeping them in the Championship for another season.

Man City facing major sanctions 

According to The Mail's chief sports writer Oliver Holt, sources close to the process believe Manchester City could receive a points deduction large enough to result in relegation to the Championship, alongside a substantial fine. 

Expulsion from the English football pyramid, with a restart in League Two, is reportedly considered unlikely at this stage.

The report also suggests City could face a further points deduction in the Championship, potentially keeping them out of the top flight for at least another season.

The developments follow an independent commission's finding that City breached financial rules over a nine-season period, including by misrepresenting commercial agreements and submitting inaccurate financial information. The commission also upheld the majority of charges relating to City's failure to cooperate with the Premier League's investigation.

No punishment has been officially announced and City deny wrongdoing, appealing the commission's findings. The case is not yet concluded, but the writing appears to be on the wall. 

What could it mean for Newcastle?

Any punishment that removes Manchester City from the immediate Premier League picture would have significant implications for Newcastle and the wider race for European places.

Although, at this stage, with us losing three of our last four games and facing a tricky run of fixtures after upcoming games against Crystal Palace, Everton and Fulham, some think City's relegation would simply increase our hopes of staying up!

Still, a lengthy absence from the top flight could reshape the landscape of the Premier League, potentially opening up opportunities for Newcastle to climb the table and compete more consistently, should we begin to get it right on and off the pitch after a turbulent year.