Daniel Riolo calls Luis Enrique’s defence of Manchester City “scandalous”

Daniel Riolo, a pundit on After Foot, sharply criticised Luis Enrique after the coach defended Manchester City, which is accused of 114 financial breaches of Premier League rules. The controversy comes on the eve of the Manchester City-PSG clash, scheduled for Wednesday at 21:00. At a press conference on Tuesday, the PSG coach defended the English club in a billion-dollar financial fraud case that carries the threat of major sporting sanctions.

Luis Enrique’s comments angered Riolo. The pundit condemned what he saw as misplaced leniency, saying: “What he is saying is simply scandalous.” He took particular issue with the idea that trophies won on the pitch could be enough to defend the club’s record if financial irregularities are established.

In his criticism, Riolo also addressed the possible consequences of the case and the scale of the allegations. “There are 114 breaches out of 115 recognised,” he said, adding that if players had been signed with money that entered the club abnormally, “it is obviously very serious.” He also named Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, arguing that Luis Enrique’s comments were an affront to them. Riolo noted that Steven Gerrard, Gary Neville and Roy Keane want to know whether Manchester City will be sanctioned.

Riolo also contrasted reactions in France and England. He said Liverpool would not stay silent if English clubs made their voices heard, and referred to the Premier League chief’s threat to leave his position in the event of political intervention. The English football regulator was likewise linked to a threat to resign over “political intervention”.

The outcome, however, still depends on a decision to come. The Citizens could lose titles, an eventuality Luis Enrique reportedly would not consider logical. Riolo, for his part, sees such leniency as unacceptable in the face of the accusations and the sporting sanctions that could follow.