FANS are turning on their clubs after signing up for the European Super League.
The Premier League’s so-called ‘Big Six’ joined Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and the two Milan clubs as the 12 of the 15 ‘founding’ members of the new 20-team breakaway league.
A £4.6billion pot backed by JP Morgan would be split among the clubs while relegation would be scrapped, protecting their involvement for the next 23 years.
On Sunday, Uefa, the English Football Association, the Premier League, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), LaLiga, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Lega Serie A released a joint statement condemning the plans.
Expulsion from domestic and European tournaments – including the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League – would be likely if it went ahead, while an international football ban could also come into force for players of ESL teams.
And supporters are making their voices heard too.
The supporters’ groups of all six clubs have publicly condemned the plans and strongly oppose the European Super League.
Banners were pinned up on the railings outside Anfield, reading ‘Shame on you RIP LFC 1892 – 2021’ and ‘LFC fans against European Super League’.
Reds supporters’ trusts have also vowed to remove their famous flags from the Kop because they ‘feel we can no longer give our support to a club which puts financial greed above integrity of the game’.
There were similar scenes at White Hart Lane with Tottenham fans making their stand with banners.
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Arsenal fans are set to meet outside the club shop from 6pm this evening while Chelsea’s We Are The Shed group are staging a protest at 5.30pm on Tuesday outside Stamford Bridge before the Brighton game – making it clear they are directing their anger at the board, not the team.
Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said: “Football supporters across the world have experienced the ultimate betrayal.
“This is a decision of greed to line the pockets of those at the top and it has been made with no consideration for the loyal supporters. This is unforgivable.”
The Independent Manchester United Supporters’ Trust added: “These proposals are completely unacceptable and will shock Manchester United fans, as well as those of many other clubs.
“A ‘Super League’ based on a closed shop of self-selected wealthy clubs goes against everything football, and Manchester United, should stand for.
“To bring forward these proposals without any fan consultation, and in the midst of a global pandemic when people should be pulling together not serving their own selfish interests, just adds insult to injury.
“When Sir Matt Busby led us into the European Cup in the 1950s, the modern Manchester United was founded in the tragedy and then triumph that followed.
“To even contemplate walking away from that competition would be a betrayal of everything this club has ever stood for.
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“We urge everyone involved in this proposal including Manchester United to immediately withdraw from this proposal.”
SunSport’s expert fan trio from Arsenal, Chelsea and United together fumed at the decision which threatens to kill football’s ‘magic’.
It is not just supporters from the six clubs involved venting their anger, either.
The Football Supporters’ Association slammed the proposed shake-up.
Leeds’ LUFC Trust are also encouraging fans to gather in protest.
The 20-team breakaway league would see two groups of ten and an end of season play-off to determine the winners, with a provisional kick-off from the start of the 2022-23 season.
In addition to the 15 founding clubs, who cannot be dropped from the franchised closed-shop elite, five clubs will be entitled to qualify each season.
All matches will be played in midweek slots, with the clubs insistent they will be able to continue to play in their domestic leagues and “preserve the traditional domestic match calendar which remains at the heart of the club game” – but the Premier League joint statement suggests that will not be the case.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
