Zohran Mamdani has responded to reports that Man City have been found guilty of the Premier League charges by highlighting “114”.
The mayor of New York City, and an avid Arsenal fan, pointed out the reported number of breaches the Premier League club have been found guilty of, with the club initially facing a total of 115 charges.
The Independent understands that the former champions have been found guilty of breaking the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
And just hours after the landmark ruling, which was first reported by The Athletic, Mamdani simply posted on social media: “114”.
Mamdani has displayed his affection for the Gunners, who pipped City for the title last season to break a 22-year drought, in recent months, including an appearance at Eid al-Adha prayers in the Bronx while wearing a club-themed kurta.
Mamdani recalled supporting Arsenal from the age of nine thanks to his uncle and idolised players such as Tony Adams and, particularly, Nwankwo Kanu, given the Nigerian “had been born in Africa but now lived somewhere else, just like me.”
Mamdani told the New York Times about how Arsenal had become an escape for him and recalled the intense battles with City in recent seasons: “Over these past two years, no matter how chaotic life became, Arsenal remained the constant.
“And throughout every moment, when a Manchester City resurgence felt inevitable, when the socialist project felt fragile, when both football and politics appeared determined to reward only wealth and cynicism, I have returned to the words of a man with no enemies: Bukayo Saka. “It’s a process.” And we should trust it.”
And while the Gunners would not benefit directly, should Premier League titles be rescinded and handed to the runners-up during that nine-year period, City did edge out Arsene Wenger’s side in the 2018 Carabao Cup final.
City are currently top of the Premier League after five games, three points clear of the defending champions Arsenal.
114
But with sanctions to follow over the alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, Arsenal are positioned to benefit and remain favourites to claim a second title in as many seasons under Mikel Arteta.
Mamdani’s Arsenal could return to the top of the Premier League should they secure a heavy victory over Leeds on 10 October before City’s next game against Liverpool on 11 October.
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