Re Sean Ingle’s article (How did some City fans become aggressive defenders of a nation state’s regime?, 5 October), I suspect that most City fans are no more supportive of the United Arab Emirates regime than those of Arsenal were of the Rwandan government during its sponsorship deal, or Newcastle’s of Saudi Arabia, or those of the 11 clubs whose shirt sponsors were gambling companies in 2025-26. Fans are simply concerned with how their club is managed and success on the pitch.
At City, UAE ownership brought unprecedented success to a historic club. The new regime delivered the most feted coach of our time, who revolutionised how the game in England was played. Highly successful City youth teams nurtured young talent that has gone on to grace numerous other squads in the Premier League and beyond, including England players. City Women, reigning double winners, are the current force in English women’s football.
The Premier League in the 21st century has invariably been bought. City were late to the party when rules were put in place which in effect blocked wealthy owners of clubs outside already established contenders investing enough to become competitive. I doubt that a majority of supporters of clubs such Newcastle, Villa or Forest are any more appreciative of the so-called “fair play” rules than City’s are. Had they delivered similar success, I suspect they would have been just as forgiving of their owners.
Andrew Burton
Buxton, Derbyshire
