How are Man City fans supposed to feel?

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosts Emma Paton, Jack Pitbrook, and Tom Harris dive into the emotional landscape for Manchester City supporters in light of the club's recent ruling on financial breaches by the Premier League. They reflect on how City fans should feel amid confusion and distress over the club's future. Jack, identifying as a 'non-practicing' City fan, shares his conflicted relationship with the club and the guilt surrounding its ownership. Tom echoes these sentiments, acknowledging that the ongoing situation complicates long-held emotional ties to the club.

The discussion steers toward the varied experiences of fans over time, particularly those who have followed the club for decades compared to newer supporters. The duo emphasizes that feelings about the club are personal and subjective, making it difficult to dictate how any fan should react. They articulate that it’s crucial for fans to confront the gravity of the accusations rather than change the subject.

As Manchester City prepares for its next match against Liverpool, the mood among fans remains uncertain. There's a recognition of the nostalgic yet challenging dissonance between past successes and present allegations. Jack and Tom grapple with the implications of Guardiola's support for the ownership and speculate on how City’s public image will evolve based on the outcomes of appeals. They also emphasize the need for genuine accountability, suggesting that fans might benefit from a complete break from the current ownership to move forward.