Sam Allardyce slams 'absolutely ridiculous' Man City trial timing as former England boss reveals what punishment they should receive

City face 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial fair play regulations and the process began this week. Many have called for the Premier League champions to be hit with a massive punishment, with some insisting they should be relegated if found guilty.

The case is expected to drag on for a long time, but Allardyce feels it should have been wrapped up before the new season began, and he feels it will now be impossible for the club to be relegated in case of a guilty verdict.

"They've already put Man City in a position where they can't relegate them because they've let the season start," Allardyce told Footy Accumulators. "They can't relegate them on these charges alone, which is ridiculous. Why didn't they do it in the summer? Having the court case while the season's on is an absolutely ridiculous decision by the Premier League."

Should City be found guilty, Allardyce believes they will be struck with a points deduction at worst.

"If it's on the three counts then possibly 10 points maybe 12, if it's really big, maybe 15," he added. "People are talking about relegation, but if it’s just boiling down to those three, then it's a point deduction and they can live with that fine and will get on with it. Everybody will say it won't be enough and they (City) should be relegated. We won't really understand it because they won't release exactly what's happened behind the scenes.

“If there's no appeal after that and Man City have to take it on the chin, they will get on with it. If there's another appeal avenue, then Man City will exploit it if they're unhappy with the outcome because that’s their right.”

While the case continues in the background, Pep Guardiola's team will hope to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season when they face title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.