Brighton make Manchester City ticket statement ahead of October clashes

Brighton face crisis club Manchester City twice in quick succession next month.

The Seagulls - who are third in the Premier League after five matches - travel to Manchester City on October 28 for a fourth round tie in the Carabao Cup.

They then face Enzo Maresca's league leaders three days later at the Etihad Stadium once again in the Premier League.

City were found to have engaged in an almost £1billion scheme to either inflate revenues or reduce costs through a series of “sham” arrangements in order to avoid breaching league and UEFA financial regulations.

The eight-time Premier League champions face severe sanctions, although City remain defiant and immediately declared their intention to appeal.

Bloom: abide by the rules

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom, speaking to the Albion Unlimited podcast, said: "We've got two games coming up against Man City at the Etihad, really looking forward to those two games, but I cannot comment on those other matters. “

Bloom then added: “I think if there are rules and regulations in place, it's really important, even if you really don't agree with them, that you abide by those rules. Absolutely.”

Carabao Cup tickets details

On sale dates for Brighton and Hove Albion supporters: All STHs/1901 Club members: Thursday 1 October. All MyAlbion+ members: Friday 2 October. Purchase history: Monday 5 October

Season ticket holder pricing: Adult: £17.50, Ages 18-21: £12.50, Senior 65+: £12.50, Under-18: £1

Regular pricing: Adult: £20, Ages 18-21: £15, Senior 65+: £15, Under 18: £1

Richards devasted by City verdict

Meanwhile, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards says the Premier League’s damning verdict on the club has left him devastated and heartbroken.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: “The reports were troubling. I saw the words which were used by the Premier League in sham contracts and I felt absolutely devastated.

“I’ve been at that club since I was 14 years old, I would die for that club. I achieved my dream at Manchester City, but then to hear these reports, and not only me as an ex-player, but the fans, what they have to go through, absolutely devastating.”

Keane: Throw medals in the bin

Ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane did not hold back with his view.

Speaking on ITV, Keane said: “They knew it would hurt a lot of people, but they’ve still done it, and, if I was a player, I’d be 100 per cent sticking those medals in the bin.

“It’s cheating. You’re hearing nonsense about some ex-players saying, ‘Oh well, they won on the pitch’. Because it was cheating! It was cheating going on.”