
Sky presenter Simon Thomas was forced into an awkward apology following Tim Sherwood's on-air comments about Manchester City.
The former Blackburn midfielder joined Football on Saturday to report on the weekend's Premier League action.
Sherwood and the rest of the panel discussed the January transfer in January transaction 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 co-pundit Paul Merson whether he believed City were heading for a transfer embargo, he replied: “Maybe yes, they must 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've realized that in retrospect it's obviously brilliant, we all have degrees in that.
“If there are players available, they will go and get them, even if they have to pay over the top, they don't care. Man City make their own rules.”
After an advert break, host Thomas was brought on screen to issue an apology on behalf of Sky.
Thomas said: “We had a chat in the build-up earlier today about Manchester City [regarding] their conveyancing company.
“A comment was made about Man City and the rules.
“I just want to say that they are absolutely not the view on Sky Sports and we apologize to Manchester City for those comments.”
The Premier League has been investigating City for more than five years now.
City have vehemently denied the charges, saying the alleged rule-breaking occurred over a 14-year period.
The club was initially hit with 115 charges in February 2023, but these were increased to 130 after an administration issue.
Despite a three-man panel hearing in December, it will still be months before a verdict is released.
City have been accused of failing to accurately report their 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 wages for a large number of players and former manager Roberto Mancini.
The club is then accused of failing to cooperate with the Prem investigation.
If found guilty, the city could be hit with a points deduction or financial penalties.
They could also be relegated from the Premier League if they have committed the most serious charges.
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