Liverpool's former captain Steven Gerrard has reignited calls for Manchester City to be stripped of their Premier League titles, accusing the Abu Dhabi-owned club of using football to mask a tarnished international reputation. Gerrard, who famously disrupted Manchester City's 2013 title bid by slipping during a crucial match against Chelsea, now argues that the club's success is tied to political and economic interests.
Gerrard's comments come after a heated match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield, where fans displayed banners demanding the club's relegation. The game saw ten arrests and a police officer injured during the policing operation. Gerrard, who played for Liverpool from 2005 to 2015, has long criticized the club's ownership, linking its success to the UAE's influence.
The controversy highlights growing concerns over "sportswashing"—the practice of using high-profile sports investments to improve a country's international image. Critics argue that Manchester City's dominance in English football is not solely due to on-field performance but also to financial backing from Abu Dhabi. Gerrard, however, insists that the club's achievements should be judged on the pitch, not political ties.
The debate over Manchester City's legitimacy has intensified in recent years, with some calling for a review of the club's titles. Gerrard's stance reflects a broader discontent among fans and analysts who believe the club's success is skewed by external factors. As the Premier League continues to grapple with these issues, the pressure on Manchester City to justify its dominance grows.
