Joe Hart backs Man City chairman Khaldoon over financial ruling
Joe Hart has expressed his confidence in Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, stating he trusts the chairman’s assertion that the club is innocent of breaching financial regulations.
Manchester City were found guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League, though they are preparing to appeal against the decision.
Al Mubarak has stated he remains committed to “proving the club’s innocence” and noted that “the process still has a long way to run.”
Hart, who made 348 appearances for City across all competitions between 2006 and 2016, told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club that Al Mubarak has “led the club brilliantly” and is a person to “trust.”
“I’ve heard everyone else go down every single rabbit hole, every single wormhole, every single discussion,” Hart said. “My honest opinion is I’ve got no reason not to trust Khaldoon. What he said is enough for me.”
“I loved how he spoke. I loved the letter because that was from someone who cared about the club.”
Hart won the Premier League twice (2011-12 and 2013-14), the League Cup twice (2013-14 and 2015-16), and the FA Cup (2010-11) during his time at the club.
The 39-year-old explained that because there was “nothing concrete,” it was a matter of allowing events to “play out,” and none of his achievements are tarnished in his view.
Hart added: “If Man City are found guilty, which I don’t think they are because of what Khaldoon said, then there’s conversations to be had.
“But right now I’m very confident and very, very calm. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved and what I did with Manchester City and what we achieved as a team. And that doesn’t change. That doesn’t change until you tell me.”
City were accused of a wide range of rule breaches, primarily concerning claims that they inflated sponsorship revenue from connected companies and made other “off the books” payments to circumvent financial regulations.
Hart said it hadn’t “crossed my mind” to discuss the news with his former City teammates because he “can’t get involved in the ifs, buts and maybes.”
“I did what I did. I lined up 11 v 11 and had it out on the pitch. I won some games, lost some games, drew some games, and I shook hands and I walked off,” he said.
“I know what I did, I know what we did, and I know how it happened. It didn’t feel like we were scheming or plotting.”
-
Man City rule breaches not my concern – Mancini
-
Latest Manchester City news, analysis and fan views
-
Ask about Man City – what do you want to know?
