Man City interim punishment discussed by executives after watching Liverpool game

Premier League executives exchanged messages about the prospect of placing an unprecedented interim punishment on Manchester City during their 3-0 win over Liverpool, according to reports - and it would be one of the most controversial acts in English football history if it was to happen.

City comfortably beat 10-man Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki in the first half.

Enzo Maresca's side received a hostile reception from the home support as the game kicked off, but attempts to distract City players had zero effect as they strolled to a sixth consecutive victory. After what has been a two-week period dominated by City being found guilty of all serious breaches relating to the Premier League and UEFA's financial rules, the performance was a reminder of just how strong City are on the pitch - and it left some executives feeling uneasy.

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Executives 'discuss early punishment' for Man City

The first half at Anfield was relatively cagey, but the game turned on Ryan Gravenberch's sending off on 62 minutes.

Still, City's strength in depth was apparent, as Maresca turned to Doku to add some much-needed impetus on 56 minutes. Liverpool's first change, meanwhile, was to replace Florian Wirtz with young midfielder Trey Nyoni, making only his 10th Premier League appearance.

Injuries may yet affect City, but it is hard to see them not at least challenging for the Premier League title come the end of the season.

And according to The Independent's Miguel Delaney, some executives were so concerned that they messaged each other during the Liverpool game about the prospect of expelling City from the Premier League right now.

Rule B6 of the Premier League rule book notes that one of the league's members can be expelled if a majority of 15 other clubs vote in favour of expulsion as part as what is described as a Special Resolution.

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Will Man City be punished now?

As things stand, there is clearly an appetite from the Premier League to get the matter sewn up as quickly as possible - but all parties will likely have to wait.

City have appealed the verdict of the Premier League's independent commission, which found them guilty of all serious breaches relating to financial rules of both the Premier League and UEFA. The club have stressed their innocence and claim they have 'irrefutable evidence' to support their case.

Sky Sports report that a sanctions hearing can be held separately from the appeals hearing, which must be heard within 12 weeks of the appeal being sent and across a block of five days.

But both clubs can appeal the sanctions decision, which could delay matters further. If the sanctions committee - which is the same as the three-person independent panel that arrived at the original decision - finds against City, the club can also launch an appeal at the High Court.

Maresca is clearly confident that the panel will find in favour of City. When asked post-match at Anfield whether the decision needed to be made as quickly as possible in order for City to celebrate any victories they secure this season, he replied: “I don't care. I'm here to try and prepare games, and to win games. Hopefully I can speak about this situation when we win the appeal."