MANCHESTER, England (AP) – To the backdrop of some aggressive anti-UEFA chants, Manchester City beat West Ham 2-0 in the Premier League on Wednesday in its first match since being banned from European competitions for the next two seasons.
A UEFA panel handed out the punishment on Friday after judging that City broke financial monitoring rules and did not cooperate with investigators. City denies wrongdoing - and will appeal against the decision - and its fans made their feelings known throughout the game at Etihad Stadium, chanting songs overtly in support of the team and against European soccer's governing body.