The Premier League announced on Thursday that Manchester City had been fined over £1 million for delayed kick-offs in nine matches during the previous season. Officials stated that Pep Guardiola’s team had breached rules regarding kick-off and restart times between October and February.
They revealed that the most significant delay had occurred during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in December, when the second half had resumed two minutes and 24 seconds late.
According to the Premier League, Manchester City had acknowledged the breaches and issued an apology for the delays.
The fines total £1.08 million ($1.45 million).
“Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts help ensure the organisation of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard and provides certainty to fans and participating clubs,” a Premier League statement said.
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“It also ensures the broadcast of every Premier League match is kept to schedule.”
It is not the first time City have been in trouble for their tardy kick-offs.
The Premier League noted that the club had also been fined more than £2 million the previous year for 22 similar breaches of kick-off and restart regulations.
It was reported that Guardiola’s side had finished third in the Premier League last season, marking the end of their four-year reign as champions. Officials also highlighted that City had suffered a surprise defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final and were currently participating in the Club World Cup in the United States.