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      Match of the Day plunged into meltdown as hosts stage mutiny after BBC pull Gary Lineker off air over Nazi tweet row

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      MATCH of the Day hosts staged a mutiny tonight after the BBC yanked Gary Lineker off air over the Nazi tweet row — plunging the flagship show into chaos.Ian Wright and Alan Shearer walked out in “solidarity” with Lineker, 62, who had compared the Government’s language around its small boats crackdown to that of 1930s Germany.
      Pals said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his willCredit: Getty
      Ian Wright and Alan Shearer have walked out in ‘solidarity’ with LinekerCredit: BBC
      The walkout has left Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman as the favourite to step inCredit: BBC
      The BBC was left scrambling to find a panel for the show, as other stars ruled themselves out.
      Gary wept when told how his mates had publicly backed him. 
      On a day of chaos, the corporation claimed its £1.3million-a-year star had agreed to step back from presenting tonight’s flagship highlights show.
      But friends said Lineker had been blindsided by the statement and was being benched against his will. 
      READ MORE ON MOTD MUTINY
      It left Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman as favourite to step in.
      The Beeb could not say when ex-England ace Lineker will return.
      Tonight it appeared there was no way back for the star at the BBC.
      He was ordered to issue a “humiliating apology” by execs or face being “rested” from the show. 
      Most read in Football
      A source said: “This has been a tumultuous 24 hours. Gary is in shock and had no idea this was coming. He wanted to go on air, make no bones about it, this was not his decision.
      “Privately, everyone at the Beeb is in meltdown too. They genuinely don’t know how they will get a show out because no one wants to touch it.
      “Everyone in the industry is appalled at how Gary has been hung out to dry, and the general BBC inconsistency. 
      “Gary wept when he found out his mates had all publicly backed him. 
      “The support has been overwhelming which, essentially, is a massive pie in the face for the BBC. 
      “Gary wasn’t willing to pretend to support something he vehemently doesn’t agree with.
      “He doesn’t need the cash and, frankly, it seems hard to imagine a way back for either party from here.”
      The ex-striker had compared language around the Government’s small boats crackdown to that used by Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
      The BBC initially said Lineker would be spoken to, then appeared to take no action against him. 
      That triggered a backlash from Tory MPs furious about a perceived breach of BBC impartiality rules.
      Jermaine Jenas confirmed he would not stand inCredit: PA
      Micah Richards has also ruled himself out of stepping in to cover LinekerCredit: Getty
      Alex Scott is another high-profile presenter showing solidarity with LinekerCredit: Getty
      Yesterday afternoon, the BBC issued its botched statement stating Lineker had stepped back from presenting MoTD.
      Pal Wright then tweeted that he will step away, saying: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.” 
      Shearer soon followed, saying: “I have informed the BBC I wont be appearing on MoTD.”
      And Football Focus host Alex Scott appeared to rule herself out, posting a meme which read “Nah, not me”.
      Piers Morgan said of the Beeb last night: “This is a ridiculous decision. If the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Broadcasters Jeff Stelling and Laura Woods also backed Lineker. 
      Earlier the BBC said in its statement: “We have said we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting MoTD until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion-free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on political issues or political controversies.”
      A TV insider added: “This is typical of the BBC being unable to handle a crisis which involves itself — they almost implode in confusion over what to do. They haven’t disciplined him, and have been briefing the media saying he won’t step down, but have now decided to take him off air to review their own policies. It’s all a bit bewildering.
      Linker’s co-hosts tweet their support after the BBC announces he will be stepping back from the show
      “No wonder nobody knows what they can and can’t say.”
      Lineker appeared to have ridden out the row until yesterday, and had tweeted: “Well, it’s been an interesting couple of days. Happy this ridiculously out of proportion story seems to be abating and very much looking forward to presenting Match of the Day on Saturday.”
      PM Rishi Sunak said he hoped critics such as Lineker would eventually see why they were wrong about his immigration plan.
       Ex-Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: “Gary is of course entitled to hold his views. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “The problem is he is the highest-paid person working for the BBC and is closely associated with the BBC. I’m afraid that those things are not compatible.”  More

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      Mark Chapman ‘rules himself out as Match of the Day host’ after Alex Scott says she WON’T take over from Gary Lineker

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      MARK Chapman has reportedly ruled himself out as the new Match of the Day host after fellow pundits pulled out in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker.The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Mark Chapman has reportedly ruled himself out as the new Match of the Day host
      Gary Lineker will step back from presenting duties on Match of the Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Now, football pundit Mark Chapman is thought to have ruled himself out as host of tonight’s show.
      The Daily Mail’s Chief Sports Reporter Matt Hughes said in a tweet: “BBC desperately scrambling to secure a new presenter for Match of the Day, with Alex Scott and Mark Chapman both ruling themselves out following withdrawal of Alan Shearer and Ian Wright as pundits.”
      Chapman joined Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Alex Scott in boycotting Saturday’s episode.
      read more in Football
      Arsenal legend Wright tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      Mr Shearer, 52, later followed suit, saying: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      And pundit Alex Scott says she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Gary Lineker after his suspension from the show.
      In a cryptic tweet the ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      Most read in Football
      Footie pundit Micah Richards also backed the boycott.
      It is unclear who will present the show in place of the pundits.
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.

      The full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Mr Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Mr Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time”
      Read More on The Sun
      Alan Shearer has joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tonightCredit: Alamy More

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      Micah Richards backs Ian Wright & Alan Shearer after Match of the Day hosts pull out in ‘solidarity’ with Gary Lineker

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      FOOTIE pundit Micah Richards has backed Ian Wright and Alan Shearer after the Match of the Day hosts pulled out in “solidarity” with Gary Lineker.The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Micah Richards has backed Ian Wright and Alan Shearer
      Gary Lineker will step back from presenting duties on Match of the Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Now, football pundit Micah Richards ruled himself out as the new host of tonight’s show.
      In a tweet last night he said: “I was not due to be working on MOTD tomorrow, but if I was, I would find myself taking the same decision that Ian Wright & Alan Shearer have.”
      It comes as Shearer and Wright pulled out of Match of the Day after the BBC’s decision to remove Gary Lineker from air.
      read more in Football
      Arsenal legend Wright tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      Shearer, 52, later followed suit, saying: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Fellow pundit Scott says she also won’t step in.
      In a cryptic tweet the ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      Most read in Football
      It is unclear who will present the show in place of the pundits.
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.

      While the beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Mr Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      Read More on The Sun
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Mr Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time.” More

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      Alex Scott reveals she WON’T step in as Match of the Day host in cryptic tweet hours after Gary Lineker pulled off air

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      FOOTIE pundit Alex Scott appeared to say she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Gary Lineker after his suspension from the show.In a cryptic tweet the ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      Alex Scott says she won’t step in to host Match of the Day in place of Gary Lineker after he was suspended from the showCredit: Getty
      The ex-Lioness shared a meme of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: ‘Nah… not for me’Credit: Twitter/AlexScott
      Gary Lineker will step back from presenting duties on Match of the Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The BBC said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Ms Scott joined fellow Match of the Day hosts Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman in boycotting Saturday’s episode.
      The show’s commentary team are also standing down, with commentators usually heard on football broadcasts outside the UK expected to be shipped in.
      Read More on this story
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Most read in Football
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.

      The full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Sun columnist Piers Morgan reacted in fury at the “ridiculous” decision to suspend his pal Mr Lineker – accusing the BBC of being “pathetically spineless”.
      The TalkTV’s host fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      Read More on The Sun
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Meanwhile, Alastair Campbell – who hosts a podcast run by Mr Lineker’s media firm Goalhanger Podcasts – told Sky News he fears “we’ve seen him on Match of the Day for the last time.”
      Alan Shearer has joined Ian Wright in boycotting Match of the Day tonightCredit: Alamy More

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      I look forward to BBC suspending David Attenborough and Alan Sugar after taking Gary Lineker off air, Piers says

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      PIERS Morgan has blasted the BBC’s “ridiculous” decision to pull Gary Lineker off Match of the Day.The corporation said Mr Lineker’s criticism of the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill on Twitter was a “breach of our guidelines”.
      Piers Morgan has blasted the BBC’s ‘ridiculous’ decision to pull Gary Lineker off Match of The DayCredit: PA
      Gary will step back from presenting duties on Match of The Day until a ‘clear position’ on his social media use is agreedCredit: Splash
      The pundit will now step back from presenting duties on the flagship football show – that he’s presented since 1999 – until a “clear position” on his social media use is agreed.
      Piers blasted the BBC’s decision to suspend his pal.
      He fumed: “This is a ridiculous decision and if the BBC really believes its presenters shouldn’t have political opinions then I look forward to them suspending David Attenborough…
      “And Alan Sugar and everyone else who has presented BBC shows but makes public their opinions.”
      Read More on this story
      Sir David Attenborough has criticised the Government’s environmental record while Lord Sugar urged Brits to back the Tories in 2019.
      In a later Tweet, TalkTV’s Piers accused the BBC of being “pathetically spineless” over the decision.
      Mr Lineker sparked a free speech row when he compared the Governments plans to ban migrants arriving on small boats from settling in Britain with “1930’s Germany”.
      It came as he responded to a video on Twitter of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as she presented the Government’s plan.
      Most read in Football
      The legislation will see migrants swiftly detained and removed to either their country of origin or a safe third state within 28 days.
      Sharing the clip, Mr Lineker said: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
      In a statement earlier, the BBC outlined they had undergone “extensive discussions” with the ex-England star, 62, following the furore.
      While the beeb praised his sports coverage as “second to none” they said he should “keep well away from taking sides” on party political topics.
      The full statement read: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days.
      “We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      Following the BBC’s suspension of Mr Lineker, Match of the Day co-host Ian Wight said he will boycott Saturday’s episode in “solidarity”.
      He tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”
      And Alan Shearer shortly followed suit, tweeting: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”
      Alex Scott later declared herself out of the race with a cryptic tweet of US politician Bernie Sanders saying: “Nah… not for me.”
      And pundit Micah Richards backed the boycotters – saying he’d do the same if he was asked to host.
      Jemaine Jenas also ruled himself out of presenting duties.
      Mark Chapman – who presents Match of the Day 2 on Sunday – also said he would not stand in.
      Read More on The Sun
      And Steve Wilson, one of the flagship footie show’s commentators, said him and his colleagues will not be heard in Saturday’s episode. More

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      Boss of new football regulator must be carefully picked to stop ‘some nitwit’ ruining the game, ministers warned

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      THE boss of football’s new regulator must be picked carefully to stop “some nitwit” ruining the beautiful game, ministers have been warned.Rishi Sunak today launched the Football White Paper to create a watchdog to govern the sport.
      Rishi Sunak launched the new footballing white paper todayCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Whitehall sources reckon Gordon Brown might be lining himself up as the regulator’s chairCredit: Getty
      It will have backstop powers to distribute cash from the Premier League to lower clubs if football chiefs cannot thrash out their own deal.
      But Jason Stein, an aide to then-PM Liz Truss who worked on the proposals, warned this could spur smaller sides to collapse talks with the hope of getting more from the regulator. 
      And he said it must not be led by “unhappy grandee MP or connected peer” who knows nothing about football.
      READ MORE ON POLITICS
      Whitehall sources reckon Gordon Brown might be lining himself up as the regulator’s chair.
      Mr Stein said: “As a supporter I am deeply concerned that in half a dozen years the football industry could be run by some nitwit appointed in a back room stitch up with no accountability taking us back to the 60s.”
      The Premier League also demanded that “regulation does not damage the game fans love to watch”.
      Sports Minister Stuart Andrew insisted yesterday these would only have powers of last resort.
      Most read in The Sun
      He told MPs: “We have secured powers within the white paper for the regulator to use should there not be an agreement by the football authorities.
      “We still urge them to get on with it. They still could come up with a deal and I sincerely hope that they can do that.”
      Ministers
      The PM launched his blueprint to clean up the beautiful game and block dodgy owners — three weeks after it was leaked to The Sun.
      Sides will also be banned from joining a European “super league” through the creation of a legal club-funded regulator.
      Southampton fan Mr Sunak has accepted the recommendations in Tory MP Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review.
      Writing together in The Sun, they rail against unscrupulous owners prepared to “recklessly gamble away the future of their clubs in the hope of big money payouts”.
      A staggering 64 clubs have gone bust since it launched in 1992, with Bury the latest to plunge into administration. More

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      Football clubs will be refused a licence if fans don’t have final say over team’s kits and badges

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      FOOTBALL clubs refusing to give fans the final say over their team’s kit and badges will be refused a licence to operate under plans unveiled by Rishi Sunak.The PM today launches his blueprint to clean up the beautiful game and block dodgy owners — three weeks after it was leaked to The Sun.
      Footie clubs will be refused a licence if fans don’t have final say over kits under Rishi Sunak’s plansCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Sides will also be banned from joining a European “super league” through the creation of a legal club-funded regulator.
      Southampton fan Mr Sunak has accepted the recommendations in Tory MP Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review.
      Writing together in The Sun, they rail against unscrupulous owners prepared to “recklessly gamble away the future of their clubs in the hope of big money payouts”.
      The regulator will have “powers of last resort” to raid Premier League cash to hand to struggling lower league teams if footballing chiefs cannot reach a deal themselves.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      A staggering 64 clubs have gone bust since it launched in 1992, with Bury the latest to plunge into administration.
      But economist Len Shackleton, author of the report Red Card, warned regulation would impose “disincentives to investment and innovation”.
      He said: “Governments over the years have ruined many successful domestic industries.
      “Interference in football could well have the same doleful effect.”
      Most read in Football
      Southampton fan Mr Sunak has accepted the recommendations in Tory MP Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review More

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      Man City hire Partygate lawyer who charges £400k a week – same as Kevin de Bruyne earns – to defend financial breaches

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      MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly hired one of Boris Johnson’s “partygate” lawyers to help defend the club against charges from the Premier League. The champions were yesterday hit with several charges alleging financial rule-breaking over a number of years.
      Lord Pannick KC is an experienced legal professional and often demands big fees for his servicesCredit: PA
      The club deny wrongdoing but could face severe punishments if they allegations are proven.
      The Lawyer report that City are now drafting in the biggest names from the legal professional to help defend their case.
      Respected lawyer Lord Pannick KC has been hired by the club as they look to clear their name.
      He has previously advised Boris Johnson over allegations that he partied in Downing Street during lockdown.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Lord Pannick is widely believed to be one of the best barristers of his generation and is now set to be involved in what will likely be an extraordinary legal battle.
      It is also likely to be costly for the club as Lord Pannick could reportedly be paid £80,000 a day, or £400,000 a week, should the case come to trial and he was to be working full-time.
      This wage would equal what star player Kevin De Bruyne is paid by the club.
      Lord Pannick is reported to typically charge around £5,000 an hour for his services and even at that wage he would be pocketing more than all but seven of City’s players.
      Most read in Football
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      Man City face over 100 allegations of financial breaches after a four year investigation by the Premier League.
      The club said they were “surprised” by the action in a brief but defiant statement.
      Punishments include expulsion from the Premier League, points deductions and the stripping of titles won during the period being investigated.
      City are under investigation over the period between 2009 and 2018.
      During that time the club won three Premier League titles, including one under current boss Pep Guardiola.
      City could potentially face severe punishments after the Premier League’s investigation
      He has previously threatened to quit as City manager if club chiefs had lied to him regarding alleged rule-breaking.
      This is not the first time City have had to do battle in the courts with Uefa fining the club £25m and banning them from European competitions for two years in February 2020.
      This regarded an alleged breach of financial fair play rules.
      Five months later, that ban was overturned and the fine was cut to £9m by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. More