Manchester City fined by Premier League for rule breaches in games against Newcastle United, West Ham & co

Manchester City has been fined over £2 million for repeatedly violating a lesser-known Premier League rule regarding kick-off delays. The club breached this rule 22 times over the past two seasons, including during a match against Newcastle United.

The fines were imposed by the Premier League for City’s consistent delays in starting games. The 22 infractions occurred during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, with one notable incident happening on the final day of the last season against West Ham.

City, needing to outperform Arsenal’s result against Everton to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title, delayed the second-half kick-off by two minutes and 46 seconds.

A Premier League spokesperson explained the importance of adhering to kick-off times: “The breaches relate to a number of Premier League matches during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts help ensure the organization of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard and provides certainty to fans and participating clubs. It also ensures the broadcast of all 380 League matches around the world is kept to schedule.”

Of the 22 violations, 18 involved delays in restarting the game after half-time. One particular incident included delays to both the kick-off and the second-half restart. This happened during City’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in August, where Julian Alvarez’s lone goal secured the win for Pep Guardiola’s team.

Manchester City reached an agreement with the Premier League to pay over £2 million in fines for these infractions. This financial penalty underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining strict adherence to its rules and ensuring the smooth operation of its matches for both fans and broadcasters.

Timely kick-offs are crucial for several reasons. They ensure that matches run on schedule, which is particularly important for broadcasters who have tight programming schedules. Delays can disrupt the viewing experience for fans worldwide and can lead to logistical challenges for clubs and stadium staff.

Manchester City has acknowledged the fines and expressed its commitment to complying with Premier League rules moving forward. The club understands the importance of adhering to the competition’s standards and ensuring that such infractions do not recur in the future.

While the fines may not significantly impact City’s finances, they do highlight the club’s need to adhere to all Premier League regulations strictly.

As one of the top clubs in English football, Manchester City is expected to set an example for others. These infractions serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards both on and off the pitch.

Manchester City’s fines for delaying kick-offs highlight the importance of adhering to Premier League rules. The club’s agreement to pay over £2 million in fines underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining professional standards and ensuring that matches run smoothly for fans and broadcasters alike.

Moving forward, Manchester City will need to ensure strict compliance with all regulations to avoid further penalties and uphold its reputation as a leading club in English football.