Joe Hart Takes Strong Stance on Man City’s Guilty Verdict

· GiveMeSport

Joe Hart has spoken out after Manchester City were found guilty on 114 of 115 financial charges.

Joe Hart has caused a stir with his latest comments about Manchester City being found guilty on 114 of 115 financial charges last Friday.

The goalkeeper-turned-pundit spent 12 years at the club, winning the 2011-12 and 2013-14 Premier League titles. His spell at the club largely coincided with the time period the charges relate to (2009 and 2018).

Hart's former employers are now expected to appeal the verdict, drawing the process out further. Potential punishments mooted if the charges stick include titles being stripped, points deductions, large fines and relegation.

Hart, 39, has defended his former employers after reading the statement released by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. The City chief reiterated his belief that the Citizens would eventually be found innocent in an open letter to fans on Saturday.

> "Here's what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the club's innocence is just as strong as when this began," Khaldoon stated.

> "There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of this legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.

> "I ask you to read the statement below which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023. Every word matters and holds true."

Speaking on BBC 5 Live Sport, Hart stood firm in his belief that the players never felt like they were doing anything wrong as they did their talking on the pitch. The former England shot-stopper said:

> "I did what I did [at Man City]. I lined up 11 v 11 and had it out on the pitch. I won some games, lost some, drew some, shook hands and walked off. I know what I did, I know what we did, I know how it happened. It didn't feel like we were scheming or plotting…"

While City fans have been quick to praise their ex-player for standing up for the club he loves, rival supporters haven't taken Hart's words quite as well.

"You wouldn't have signed for City if they were in League Two. That's the point," one X user responded. Another added: "These lot are the greatest advertisement for why Sportswashing works. Look at the nonsense they’re spewing."

It was then pointed out that City may not have had a team good enough to win those trophies without the alleged breaches of the rules: "That’s not the point, is it Joe? You had players you bought and paid each week unfairly."

However, City supporters are happy he has spoken out in defence of their club. One asked: "How could you not love Joe Hart any more?"

"Real rep of the club man," was the message from another member of the Etihad faithful. "Most underrated City legend ever. Always seen him defending us."

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