Steven Gerrard has argued that a multi-year punishment in the Premier League would be fairer than relegating Manchester City to the Championship, a move that could distort competition for clubs like Millwall. The former Liverpool captain, speaking on The Overlap, expressed concern about fairness to the Championship if the reigning champions were demoted.
Gerrard, who finished second to Manchester City in the 2013/14 title race, said the situation required a strong example. "There needs to be an example set, historically whether that's a star throughout all the years of their achievements," he said. He suggested a prolonged sanction in the top flight was the more appropriate course. "I think it's more moving forward in the Premier League, to punish them over a period of time, multi-year punishment, that would be my opinion."
EFL could impose second points deduction
The EFL is considering imposing a second points deduction on Manchester City if they are relegated, a move that could prevent immediate promotion and require at least two seasons in the Championship. Manchester City are awaiting the outcome of an appeal against a guilty verdict received last month, with the most likely punishment reported to be a points deduction severe enough to make relegation unavoidable.
While there is no obligation for the EFL to punish offences committed while a club was in the Premier League, bosses are widely expected to approve a further sanction. This second deduction would be significant enough to stop City from bouncing back at the first attempt, fundamentally altering the competitive landscape of the league Millwall are fighting in.
Wider football sentiment supports strong action
There is growing support across football for the Premier League to set an example over Manchester City's alleged financial wrongdoing between 2009 and 2018. This wider appetite for strong action shows the potential for off-field issues at the elite level to have a direct impact on the Championship's integrity and promotion race.
For Millwall, currently 12th in the Championship with 15 points from 11 games, the dynamics of the league are a constant focus. The Lions have a goal difference of zero after scoring and conceding 18 times this season. Their next test is an away trip to face 13th-placed Portsmouth on Saturday, 24 October, a fixture that forms part of a recent run of form showing one win, three draws and one defeat from the last five matches. The full fixtures list shows a tight mid-table battle where every point matters. The outcome of Manchester City's case could yet influence the stakes for every club in the division.
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