In an unexpected link up of two of the biggest recent stories in British sport, Conor Benn has used a quote from Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, to highlight his own situation.
The club are charged with more than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial fair play rules, and maximum punishments include expulsion from the top flight division.
Benn, meanwhile, is still in limbo following news of two failed drugs tests in 2022. The fall out from the reports has been huge, and many fighters and fans have branded him a cheat. He has maintained throughout that he is a clean fighter.
The undefeated welterweight responded to a tweet from Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano, which included a quote from Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola. In it, the Spaniard said everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
“In England, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. This didn’t happen… so they didn’t wait. But let us defend ourselves please”
Benn responded, hinting that he had been condemned as guilty before a ruling.
“No they’re not Pep!”
No they’re not Pep!
— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) February 10, 2023
The exchange hammers home the point that Benn feels hard done by since his failed doping tests were reported. He has previously stated that he’ll never forgive those in the sport who have branded him as guilty.
He is awaiting news from the WBC, who are reportedly readying a conclusion to their investigation into his first failed doping test. It’s rumoured that they will rule favourably for the fighter and accept him back into the world rankings.
Another investigation – this time carried out by the British Boxing Board of Control – seems far from done, with the Board claiming they are without key information whilst Benn implies legal action against them.
What both cases perhaps highlight most, though, is that there’s a lack of transparency in the big money sporting world in general, with fans often left in the dark as impactful decisions are made.