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Kyle Walker has suggested that he would get his 'four in a row' tattoo removed if Manchester City are stripped of the Premier League titles they won between 2009 and 2018. The current table-toppers have submitted an appeal following an independent panel's verdict finding them guilty of 114 violations of the league's financial rules. The proceedings included claims that City artificially inflated their income through 'sham' sponsorship deals. The club have consistently denied any misconduct. Potential punishments include a substantial fine and a points deduction severe enough to send City down to the Championship. It's been reported that a further deduction could be applied, potentially leaving them facing a second season in the second tier.
Additional possible penalties include a transfer embargo and being stripped of the titles they won during the period covered by the financial charges.
Walker spent eight seasons at the Etihad Stadium, winning 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles.
The uncertainty surrounding City's honours also places an uncomfortable focus on the Burnley defender's tattoo.
He has the phrase 'four in a row' inked on his leg to mark the club's four consecutive Premier League titles.
"[I've got] 'four in a row' tattooed," he confirmed on talkSPORT. Presenter Andy Goldstein then asked: "If they take the medals away, have you got a tattoo removal firm ready to take that one?"
Walker then replied: "Well, I'm probably going to have to do that bit! I'll try and keep it on, but hopefully we don't get things taken away."
When questioned about the charges, Walker added: "It's the big elephant in the room we're probably all going to be asked when doing interviews or whatever.
"It doesn't look great. Let's not hide from the fact they've been found guilty but they're going through an appeal.
"As a player all I can say is all we did is go out and play our best as a team.
"I'll defend the players for the rest of my life, because I feel what we did and achieved in that time was incredible and probably won't be done ever again.
"But from the outside looking in, it doesn't look great and we have to address that."
Any possible sanctions against City are unlikely to be implemented until the appeal process has been completed.