A decision about rules that left both sides claiming victory revealed the broken reality of the world’s richest competition.

Manchester City and the Premier League are both claiming victory after the conclusion of the first of two high-profile clashes between the pair.

The Premier League’s civil war will enter a new phase over the next month when Manchester City are expected to receive legal notices from rival clubs that reserve their rights to seek damages.

Manchester City have been accused by rivals of trying to run the Premier League themselves after they dismissed the league’s view on the verdict from the major tribunal between the two – and advised clubs to contact them rather than the league executive.