Tweet
MANCHESTER UNITED were last night sensationally warned: Play a weakened side against Hull and we’ll sue you.
Relegation-haunted Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland fear Alex Ferguson will rest his stars against Hull on Sunday ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League final against Barcelona.
If Hull win they will stay up — and send two of the three North East clubs down, costing them £30million apiece in lost revenue.
Paragraph E20 of Premier League rules states: “In every league match each participating club should field a full strength team.”
No club has ever been cited for breaching the rule. But officials from Newcastle, Boro and Sunderland have discussed taking action if United send out a shadow side in the final game of the season.
A source close to the talks told SunSport: “United have every right to think of themselves but that shouldn’t be to the detriment of others.
“If they field a reserve team at Hull who then win and stay up, then the consequences for two of the three North East clubs will be dire.
“No one is looking for a favour, just a level playing field. And if the rules are not adhered to there are means of recourse.”
If found guilty of breaching rules, United could face anything from a warning to a big fine.
They would also be open to legal action from any relegated club for compensation.
A Premier League spokesman said: “We are aware of this situation and we will be monitoring all matches on the final day of the season.”
Relegation-haunted Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland fear Alex Ferguson will rest his stars against Hull on Sunday ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League final against Barcelona.
If Hull win they will stay up — and send two of the three North East clubs down, costing them £30million apiece in lost revenue.
Paragraph E20 of Premier League rules states: “In every league match each participating club should field a full strength team.”
No club has ever been cited for breaching the rule. But officials from Newcastle, Boro and Sunderland have discussed taking action if United send out a shadow side in the final game of the season.
A source close to the talks told SunSport: “United have every right to think of themselves but that shouldn’t be to the detriment of others.
“If they field a reserve team at Hull who then win and stay up, then the consequences for two of the three North East clubs will be dire.
“No one is looking for a favour, just a level playing field. And if the rules are not adhered to there are means of recourse.”
If found guilty of breaching rules, United could face anything from a warning to a big fine.
They would also be open to legal action from any relegated club for compensation.
A Premier League spokesman said: “We are aware of this situation and we will be monitoring all matches on the final day of the season.”
Comment