SKY presenter Simon Thomas was forced into an awkward apology following Tim Sherwood's comments about Manchester City.
The former Blackburn midfielder joined Soccer on Saturday to report on the weekend's Premier League action.
Sherwood and the rest of the panel discussed City's January transfer deal as they looked ahead to Saturday's match with Chelsea at the Etihad.
Trio Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis have arrived at the Etihad in recent weeks for a combined spend of more than £100 million.
Sherwood said: “They seem to be the only team that can spend money, and they have 115 [charges] above their heads.”
Asked by fellow pundit Paul Merson whether he believed City were heading for a transfer embargo, he replied: “Maybe so, they need to know something.”
Sherwood continued: “They are trying to build for the future, they made a mistake by not buying in the summer.
“I think they have realized that. In retrospect it is of course brilliant, we all have degrees in that.
“If there are players available, they will go and get them, even if they have to pay too much, they don't care. Manchester City sets its own rules.”
After an ad break, presenter Thomas was put on screen to apologize on behalf of Sky.
Thomas said: “We had a chat earlier today in the build-up about Manchester City [regarding] their transfer activities.
“A comment was made about Man City and the rules.
“I would just like to say that these are absolutely not the views of Sky Sports and we apologize to Manchester City for these comments.”
The Premier League has been investigating City for more than five years now.
City have vehemently denied the allegations, alleging the alleged breach of the rules took place over a period of 14 years.
The club initially faced 115 charges in February 2023, but these were increased to 130 following an administrative matter.
Although a three-judge panel heard closing arguments in December, it will be months before a verdict is handed down.
City is accused of failing to accurately report its finances over a nine-year period from the 2009-10 season to 2017-18.
It is also claimed that they have not provided full details of the wages of a large number of players and former manager Roberto Mancini.
The club is then accused of not cooperating with the Prem investigation.
If City are found guilty, there could be points deductions or financial sanctions.
They could also be relegated from the Premier League if they are found to have committed the most serious charges.
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