‘There’s a cognitive dissonance for me as a fan’: readers on Manchester City

“I became a Man City fan because my husband was a season ticket holder when we met in 1995. We have three sons and once the boys were old enough we began to go when we could. We all became season ticket holders 12 years ago. The core fans of City have always been there and supported their team through thick and thin. Most fans can’t believe the last 10 years and the quality of football that we are now watching week on week.

“My sons are much older now, [in their late teens and early 20s]. We were there on Wednesday with two of our three sons – the atmosphere was just electric, the football was sublime.

“It’s been a rollercoaster as a fan but we’re riding high at the moment. The dips will inevitably come, but right now I’m living for the day. We have to move with the times and clearly there is money to be made from success, but [the club] do need to remember to keep one foot firmly on the ground with their loyal fanbase who used to follow them when they were in Division 2.” Joanna Sargent, 54, chair and treasurer of a local youth football league in London

“I’m a lifelong supporter of Man City and have had a season ticket since 2011. Obviously, City’s many successes over recent years have brought me great joy. But there’s a cognitive dissonance for me as a supporter. There are ethical issues with contributing financially to a project that is in part serving as the PR wing of an objectionable regime. It really hit me when the Uefa charges first came out against the club and I saw a lot of Man City fans blindly defending the club and its owners.

“A lot of people will make the point that they’ve invested a lot in the city, and east Manchester is a lot nicer than it was before they got involved. But I think we need to think