# Every saint has a past

> Billy Meredith: City’s 1906 scandal hero turned United legend.
- Title: Every saint has a past · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: Billy Meredith: City’s 1906 scandal hero turned United legend. Billy Meredith, Manchester City’s 1904 FA Cup winner, was banned by the FA for bribing Aston…
- Keywords: billy meredith, manchester city, manchester united, 1906, scandal, bribe, fa cup, red card, united hero, sports, Every, saint
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/29/every-saint-has-a-past-lessons-from-citys-first-scandal-in-1906
- Published: 2026-09-29T07:00:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: billy meredith, manchester city, manchester united, fa, 1906, scandal, bribe, fa cup, red card, united hero, sports
## 1904 FA Cup win
Billy Meredith captained Manchester City to their first major title.
## 1906 scandal
Meredith was banned for offering a £10 bribe to Aston Villa’s captain.
## FA investigation
The FA found City’s gate money paid players off-the-books.
## 17 players banned
17 City players were banned for breaking FA rules.
## Meredith’s redemption
Meredith joined Manchester United and remains in their hall of fame.
## 1910 derby
Meredith played in a 1910 derby with no local rivalry fire.
## Meredith’s legacy
Meredith played until 49 and helped collect Welsh caps after a bomb hit his pub.
## Meredith’s wisdom
Meredith said clubs are punished for being found out, not breaking laws.
## What happens next
Meredith’s story shows how scandals can lead to lasting change.
## Key takeaway

Billy Meredith, Manchester City’s 1904 FA Cup winner, was banned by the FA for bribing Aston Villa’s captain in 1906 but later joined Manchester United and remains in their hall of fame.