Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry believes his old club must face punishment if their appeal against the Premier League’s financial charges fails.

An independent commission recently found City guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them, covering nine seasons between 2009/10 and 2017/18.

The club has strongly denied the findings and launched a formal appeal, which remains ongoing.

Barry, who made 175 appearances for City after joining from Aston Villa in 2009, believes the outcome must have consequences if the breaches are ultimately upheld.

Speaking on All Out Football’s In The Mixer, as reported by Manchester evening news, the former England international explained why punishment would be necessary to protect the integrity of football.

Barry Says Fans Are Suffering From The Uncertainty

“If the club have broken rules, then they have to get punished. It’s natural, isn’t it? The football world can’t work properly if rules are in place and they’re getting broken.

“Listen, this is the financial side of it (football). Other teams we’ve seen in other countries that broke rules…

You’re going to get punished. So the club possibly are going to get punished at some point.

“But I think as ex-players and especially as fans, you want it done quicker rather than later. It’s just an awkward situation for everyone now, isn’t it?”

Potential sanctions could include substantial fines, points deductions or retrospective title stripping if City’s appeal fails.

Such outcomes could place honours won during Barry’s time at the club under scrutiny.

Asked how he views his achievements, including the 2011 FA Cup and 2011/12 Premier League title, Barry expressed sadness for supporters.

“I’d say it’s more of a sad feeling, probably for the fans. I mean the moments [I had at City], they’ve already happened.

“These are the sort of things that are not going to be ever taken away. They happened 12, 13 years ago.

These things happened when I joined the club, 2009, even earlier than that.

“So I feel sorry for the fans, really. They’re going to the games, getting songs sung about them and people calling them cheats.

Players, fans, staff – there are decisions that you’re not in control of. You don’t know what’s going on.”