Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas was forced to apologise to Manchester City live on air after comments made by pundit Tim Sherwood on Soccer Saturday.
Speaking ahead of City's clash against Chelsea on Saturday, former Tottenham and Aston Villa boss Sherwood discussed Pep Guardiola's men making three signings this month after the arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.
Sherwood questioned how City were "the only club who could spend money" despite their 115 charges by Premier League over allegedly breaking financial rules.
He said: "They seem to be the only team who can spend money and they’ve got 115 [charges] over their head."
When asked by fellow pundit Paul Merson if he felt City would be given a transfer embargo if they are handed a punishment by the Premier League, he added: Perhaps yeah, they must know something.
"These players they’ve brought in are certainly for now and the future. They’re trying to build for the future, they made a mistake by not buying in the summer. If there’s players available they will go and get them, even if they have to pay over the top, they don’t care. Man City make their own rules up."
Following an ad break, Thomas said: "Welcome back, before we get underway, the whistles going around the country, we had a conversation earlier today in the build up about Manchester City, their transfer business.
"There was a comment made about Manchester City and the rules. I just want to say that they are absolutely not the views of Sky Sports and we apologise to Manchester City for those comments."
Manchester City's hearing against the Premier League over their 115 charges concluded in December after 12 weeks.
A decision is not expected until the Spring, with March a possible timeframe for City fans to learn what sanctions, if any, will be taken.
Premier League rules dictate that a points deduction could be handed to City, though any punishment would likely be appealed, which could delay the final decision for severla months.
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