Erling Haaland calls for unity as Manchester City appeal guilty verdict

Erling Haaland has issued a rallying cry for unity at Manchester City, telling fans and teammates to 'stick together, enjoy the ride and smile' following the seismic guilty verdict in the Premier League's financial case against the club. The striker's message comes as the club launches a formal appeal and the squad prepares for a hostile trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday, 11 October 2026.

Speaking to club media on Thursday 8 October, Haaland delivered a defiant and positive message aimed directly at the City support. "We have to stick together," he said. "We have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive. No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile." He predicted the travelling fans heading to Merseyside would "have a good time" despite the intense scrutiny. Haaland, who joined the club in 2022, also emphasised his personal connection to the club and the country, noting his family's history in England.

An independent commission last week found City guilty of all 114 charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. The charges cover a nine-year period between 2009/10 and 2017/18. The commission concluded the club used over £830 million in disguised owner funding to artificially inflate revenues. City have branded the verdict "unsafe" and lodged a comprehensive appeal, insisting they are innocent and possess a body of irrefutable evidence. The appeal process is now underway, with potential punishments including points deductions or even relegation still to be determined.

Manager Enzo Maresca stated his players "don't care about the noise" and are solely focused on football. Reconvening after the international break, Maresca said the feeling within the camp was "fantastic" and that the squad is excited and calm, trusting the club's leadership completely. This internal focus is vital as City sit top of the Premier League table with five straight wins under their new boss. The show of support extends beyond the current staff, with former manager Pep Guardiola confirmed to be attending City's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad on Wednesday.

The immediate challenge is a massive Premier League fixture away at Liverpool this Sunday, live on Sky Sports. It will be City's first match since the verdict was made public, and the atmosphere at Anfield is expected to be fiery. Maresca's side will look to extend their perfect league start and maintain their position at the summit of the [standings](/standings).

• Key Takeaway: Erling Haaland has publicly urged Manchester City fans and players to stay united and positive following the club's guilty verdict on 114 financial charges.
• Key Takeaway: The club has launched a formal appeal against the ruling, which covers breaches from 2009 to 2018 involving over £830 million.
• Key Takeaway: Manager Enzo Maresca says his squad is ignoring the external noise and is fully focused on maintaining their 100% league start against Liverpool this weekend.