Topics: Manchester City, Sunderland, Boxing Day, English Premier League
The official release is due on Boxing Day, but fans were treated to an early glimpse, leaving them disappointed.

With Boxing Day just a day away, Manchester City fans will be treated to the official release of the club’s new badge, due on the 26th of December.

The Citizens have witnessed three crests take hold since the 1930s, with the latest club badge taking into effect in 1997.

The English Premier League giants, though, decided that a round badge is more suitable for these times, after consultation with the supporters.

However, two days before the release, a leaked image of the upcoming crest found its way onto the website of the Intellectual Property Office, who handle patents, trademark and other copy-right-related areas within the British government.

The response was unpleasant, as many took to Twitter to either express their dislike with the new badge, or poke fun at what could possibly be Man City’s new crest for the near future.

The club, though, has not yet issued a response to the leaked image. Could it be the real deal?

Manuel Pellegrini’s crew, third in the league – six points behind leaders Leicester and four behind second-placed Arsenal – will host Sunderland on Saturday, looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to the Gunners.