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

Andy Burnham's comments about Manchester City's breach of Premier League financial rules were "completely out of touch" with fans and the public, the Conservatives have said.

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

His remarks raised many eyebrows in the football community, with the Tories now weighing in to call them "frankly extraordinary".

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".

The 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.

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

Man City deny any wrongdoing and have until Friday to submit an appeal.

Among the independent panel's findings were that City arranged "sham contracts" with a number of commercial partners as part of a scheme to disguise secret funding of more than £830m.

Copyright for this text belongs to BBC.