More planes will be flying over the Etihad. Prepare for more rage on talk radio. Expect more social media meltdowns.

Nobody will be surprised to learn that Manchester City and the Premier League will face an independent panel on the 115 charges leveled against the club barely a year from now. Given the complexities of this case, a decision in the summer of 2025 has always been feasible.

None of this will silence the skeptics and doubters who demand speedy justice. Determine their guilt. Points should be docked. They should be assigned to the National League. Everton should be left alone. The recent harsh punishment meted out to the Merseysiders has only heightened interest and expectations in City’s case.

It is important emphasizing the contrasts between the two once more. Everton was charged with one violation of profit and sustainability standards, for which they effectively grassed themselves. They presented the facts to the Premier League and then attempted to find a compromise and a method to stay within the parameters, but were either unable or unwilling to do so, depending on your view.

Everton’s announcement that they were “shocked and disappointed” signaled that they were now keeping a careful eye on how City’s case would be handled, which hasn’t helped anyone. For starters, it has enraged Everton fans, whose devotion to their club prevents them from appreciating the stark disparities between the two cases. They believe they are being used as a scapegoat while more powerful, wealthy clubs get away with it, despite the fact that that club has been charged with 115 offenses.

It has also put the independent commission under pressure to hear the matter as soon as feasible. But this is a trial with 115 distinct allegations that will include some complex legal arguments even before it begins, given the origin of much of the evidence that resulted in those charges and the fact that so much is at risk for both the Premier League and Manchester City.

The news yesterday that the independent panel hopes to hear the case next autumn also mentioned the risk of further delays. That would not be surprising, but don’t expect fans of every other Premier League club to understand why. They are uninterested in legal equivalences. They only want justice. But only if it means punishing City.

At the present, the vast majority of City supporters are uninterested. Their club has been charged, and the hearing will take place before an impartial commission, where it will provide “irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position,” according to a statement made in February.

In this situation, D-Day will be the day that a line is drawn in the sand. Regardless matter the verdict, at least one side will have to adjust their ways, and an appeal is likely. But, until that time comes and a solution is announced, Manchester City and its followers will continue to enjoy the game.