Balls to the Super League

GARY NEVILLE and Jamie Carragher have taunted the European Super League by TOASTING its spectacular collapse.Fans’ mass protests brought the 12-club, closed-shop league crashing down as suddenly it was announced just three days.

Jamie Carragher posted this relieved and delighted photo on Instagram
And Manchester United legend Neville was followed by ex-Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher in posting joyous photos on social media as they drunk to the ESL’s demise.
With Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward announcing he is quitting at the end of the year, Nev wants United to BOOT OUT any other executives involved in the ESL plotting.
He told Sky: “Ed Woodward is the trunk of the tree.
“Now it’s time to get the roots out…the Glazers have no place in Manchester United.
“Every single exec who sits at the table, they need throwing out of that club. He knew his time in football was finished.”
Fans from across the country quickly lapped up Neville and Carragher’s celebrations of the Tuesday night U-turn.
And Carra told Sky: “I was convinced this was going to be over and it is finished now.”

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Neville had earlier blasted: “I’m disgusted with Manchester United and Liverpool the most.
“Manchester United, 100 years, born from workers around here, and they’re breaking into a league without competition, that they can’t be relegated from?
“It’s an absolute disgrace and we have to wrestle back the power in this country from the clubs at the top of this league. That includes my club.”
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And in a pretty accurate gaze into what was to happen over the past 24 hours, Carra said on Monday: “We have tribalism in this country, we have rivalry, that’s what makes the game we love. 
“Football fans get together, all of us, in TV, pundits, players, managers, get together and stop this because it can be stopped.
“I’m convinced of it. Going forward, I think that’s what we need, marches on stadiums, supporters getting together, this cannot be allowed to happen.”
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Chelsea fan arrested during European Super League protests outside Stamford Bridge More

BORIS Johnson has praised Chelsea and Manchester City for quitting the European Super League.The Prime Minister said the pair had made “absolutely right decision” and called on the four remaining English clubs to follow their example – which they did soon after.
The PM has praised the two clubs who’ve abandoned the Super LeagueCredit: Reuters
Manchester City have QUIT the European Super League after a massive backlashCredit: Getty
Chelsea fans protested outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday and their club are set to pull outCredit: AFP

The European Super League now lies in tatters this evening after first Chelsea and then Manchester City decided to quit.
The PM had signalled his willingness even to bring in a new legislation to block the move and has now Tweeted his support for the clubs who have quit.
“The decision by Chelsea and Manchester City is – if confirmed – absolutely the right one and I commend them for it,” he wrote.
“I hope the other clubs involved in the European Super League will follow their lead.”
Mr Johnson had earlier branded the ESL a cartel saying its “not right” to rob British fans of their footie – saying “be in no doubt that we don’t support it”.
Amid rising anger from supporters and players from all teams, the 12 ESL clubs last night called an emergency meeting to discuss ending it
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was left “shaken” by the fury directed at the Premier League’s “Big Six” rebels.
Then in a dramatic victory for football, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs decided they no longer want to be involved in the rebel league after wide spread fan protests.

It is also believed that Atletico Madrid have pulled out of the ESL while Barcelona have said they will put the proposal to their fans before deciding.
Amid the fall out from the disastrous Super League proposal Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has quit, although it is understood he made his decision on Monday.   

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Earlier, Chelsea fans celebrated after their team pulled out of the controversial proposed Super League.
The move followed an angry backlash with fans gathering at the club’s Stamford Bridge stadium to demand owner Roman Abramovich back away from the plans.
Protestors blocked the road and attempted to stop Chelsea’s team bus from pulling into the stadium, delaying kick-off until 8.15pm.
Then in another blow to the £4.6billion scheme, Man City chiefs decided they could no longer be party to the plans that have rocked football to its very foundations.
City were the last of the initial six Prem clubs, and the 12th in all, to sign up to the plan hatched by Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United and funded by US investment giant JP Morgan.
Like Chelsea, who are in the process of preparing their withdrawal documents, the Etihad outfit were understood to feel they had no option other than to join the breakaway.
That was despite both clubs’ hierarchies harbouring doubts over the project.
But the fear of missing out on a huge tranche of the initial £3bn joining pot and minimum £130m per year on offer saw both clubs take a bite out of the carrot.
City’s concerns have grown over the past 24 hours, with the backlash intensifying as fans groups castigated the rebel clubs.
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Chelsea legend Petr Cech pleaded with protesting fans outside Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters
Fans demonstrated outside Stamford Bridge – and later cheered as Chelsea prepared for a U-turnCredit: Alamy

They were also slammed by their Prem rivals, with the League, FA and Government lining up to vow the clubs would simply not be allowed to walk away and join the elite cartel clubs.
And an extra blow to the crumbling project came from Barcelona, who announced they would not join the Super League unless there was a vote of members to approve the move.
President Joan Laporta said: “Barcelona will NOT join the Super League until our socios (fan members) vote for it.
“It’s their club, so it’s their decision.”
The European Super League was announced on Sunday night and met with a furious backlash from fans, players and authorities.
The plans have also been criticised by the likes of Boris Johnson and Prince William.

The Sun reported earlier today how three Prem teams that signed up were considering pulling out.
A massive fan backlash is believed to be one of the major factors behind half of the six Premier League teams involved having second thoughts.
In total, 12 European teams have announced the setting up of a new franchise league in which they will be free of relegation fears.
Bild claimed there could be as many as three Premier League clubs getting cold feet and that if they break ranks it will bring the whole idea crashing down before it even gets going.
The remaining 14 top-flight clubs met today to discuss how to fight back against the proposals and how they will challenge the six rebels.

A Premier League statement said: “The Premier League, alongside The FA, met with clubs today to discuss the immediate implications of the Super League proposal.
“The 14 clubs at the meeting unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans for the competition.
“The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those Shareholders involved to account under its rules.
“The League will continue to work with key stakeholders including fan groups, Government, Uefa, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to protect the best interests of the game and call on those clubs involved in the proposed competition to cease their involvement immediately.
“The Premier League would like to thank fans and all stakeholders for the support they have shown this week on this significant issue. The reaction proves just how much our open pyramid and football community means to people.”
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Wild fan celebrations outside Stamford Bridge as Chelsea pull out of the European Super League More

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck ultimately led the Blues’ exit from the European Super League.But it was Roman Abramovich’s anger that brought the whole house of cards down.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was stunned by the depth of fury against the European Super LeagueCredit: PA
The Chelsea owner is said to have been “blindsided” by the strength of the backlash to Sunday’s announcement – and then “livid” that he had been misinformed about the likely reaction.
As the pressure grew, with fans gathering outside Stamford Bridge, Buck urged Abramovich and the club hierarchy to make moves to withdraw from the project.
And the billionaire oligarch agreed, shocked to the core by how quickly everything had fallen apart.
Abramovich and Chelsea started getting cold feet on Sunday when the stunning news about the Super League emerged and football united in its opposition to the breakaway.
According to a source, Abramovich “had no idea that there would be such a backlash”.
Chelsea fan groups and former players were part of the chorus of disapproval.
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And when it became clear that supporters were going to take their protest to Stamford Bridge and shut down Fulham Road, the writing was really on the wall.

Playing legend Petr Cech, now the club’s technical and performance advisor, came out of the stadium to beg fans to allow the Chelsea and Brighton team coaches through ahead of the Premier League match.
But by then the Blues were already trying to disentangle themselves from a league that had been formally announced less than 48 hours earlier.

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Chelsea fan arrested during European Super League protests outside Stamford Bridge More

LIVERPOOL chose to omit Jurgen Klopp’s view on the European Super League from their official website after he criticised plans to join it.James Milner’s anti-ESL stance was also ignored by Liverpool’s club site when they reported on pre and post-match comments for last night’s 1-1 draw at Leeds.
Liverpool omitted Jurgen Klopp’s criticism of the European Super League from their websiteCredit: Getty
James Milner’s comments also failed to make the write-up after last night’s 1-1 draw at LeedsCredit: AFP

Plans for Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Man United and Tottenham to join a ‘super league’ has been met with widespread criticism and condemnation.
Fans, pundits and other clubs alike have joined forces to slam their plans for a breakaway closed shop also involving Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Very little has been revealed by the clubs taking part.
And it has been left to beleaguered managers – left in the dark about the decision – to face up to cameras while preparing for important games.
Last night, Liverpool boss Klopp was asked on his take before and after the 1-1 draw with Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.
The German made it clear he did not agree with the lack of competitiveness the ESL would bring.
And veteran Reds midfield Milner also hit out at the money-making franchise plans which have sent shockwaves throughout football.
However, Liverpool chose to ignore both men’s comments on the issue when reporting on their interviews for their official club website.
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Milner had said after the game at Elland Road: “I can only say my personal opinion; I don’t like it and hopefully it doesn’t happen.
“[Why?] The same reasons as everyone else who has been talking out over the last day.
“Obviously it’s been difficult for us, trying to prepare for the game, but I can only imagine what’s been said about it and I probably agree with most of it.”
Liverpool boss Klopp, who had blasted plans for a ‘super league’ in 2019, also said before kick-off: “My opinions didn’t change.
“I heard first time about it yesterday (Sunday) and when you try and prepare for a very difficult game like Leeds and then so far we got some information, not a lot to be honest, most of the things you can read.

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“It’s a tough one, people are not happy with that, I can understand that but I can’t say a lot about it to be honest.
“We were not involved in any processes, me nor the players we didn’t know about it. We’ll have to wait and see how it develops.
“I’m 53 years old since I was first a professional, the Champions League was there. As a manager it was my aim to coach a team there.
“I like the Champions League, the competitive factor of football, I like the fact West Ham might play it next year.
“I don’t want them to because we want to do that, but they have a chance like that. What can I say?

“Liverpool is much more than some decisions and the most important things in football is the supporters and the teams and we have to make sure nothing comes between them.”
Talking after the match, Klopp added: “I have six years at the club, I know our owners, they are reasonable people, serious people.
“They care about us, but they never have to explain this type of decision or ask permission or whatever.
“I speak a lot to them, but I was not involved in the process, not at all. I got info yesterday, nobody knows what will happen, I don’t know anything about that.
“The team has nothing to do with it and I have not really anything to do with it, but people treat us like that.
This is arguably the best XI of players who as it stands would play in the European Super League
“The Leeds fans came here today, before the game they were shouting at us in the city this afternoon.
“We have nothing to do with this, we are employees of the club and I feel responsible for a lot of things at this club.
“When I am involved in things and I take the criticism easily, but my boys – I don’t think they have to take it as well.
“We are not involved in this, so it’s a tough one at the moment. I will try to help and sort it somehow.”
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Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool fans protest over European Super League More

CHELSEA fans went wild in West London after their team pulled out of the controversial proposed Super League.The move followed an angry backlash with fans gathering at the club’s Stamford Bridge stadium to demand owner Roman Abramovich back away from the plans.
Chelsea fans celebrating the decision to quit the Super LeagueCredit: Getty
Fans had gathered at the ground to protestCredit: Reuters
Fans had demanded owner Roman Abramovich ditch plans to join the leagueCredit: EPA
Petr Cech begged Chelsea fans to stop blocking the road at a European Super League protest outside Stamford BridgeCredit: PA
Arrests were made by police amid chaotic scenes ahead of tonight’s game against BrightonCredit: EPA

The decision to quit the Super League came came less than an hour after furious fans branded club legend Petr Cech a “traitor” in ugly clashes.
Protestors blocked the road and attempted to stop Chelsea’s team bus from pulling into the stadium, delaying kick-off until 8.15pm.
It was later announced both Chelsea and Manchester City had both pulled out of the controversial plans, amid mounting anger among fans.
And in a massive victory for fan power, all six Prem clubs have now quit with Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United following suit.
Confirming the move late last night, the Blues said having had “time to consider the matter fully and have decided that our continued participation in these plans would not be in the best interests of the Club, our supporters or the wider football community”.

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Amid the fall out, Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has also quit, although it is understood he made his decision on Monday.    
Fury at the proposals has even led to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to threaten new laws to try to sink the Super League.
He branded the ESL a cartel saying its “not right” to rob British fans of their footie – saying “be in no doubt that we don’t support it”.
Supporters, pundits and footballers, including Liverpool’s James Milner, had made their feelings clear that they do not want the Super League to go ahead – with the 12 owners chasing more money.

Chelsea fans stopped traffic as they protested the European Super LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Blues supporters gathered at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday after Sunday’s controversial announcementCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
A banner hung near the groundCredit: AP
Chelsea fans made their voices heard ahead of tonight’s game against BrightonCredit: Getty
Loyal Blues begged Roman Abramovich to walk away from the controversial plansCredit: Getty
The protests at Stamford Bridge led to technical director and former legendary goalkeeper Cech from wading into the crowd, pleading with irate fans to calm down and let the bus through.
But he was met by a deluge of cries and jeers as police formed a barrier around him, with some even calling Cech a “traitor”.
Protestors descended upon Stamford Bridge earlier in the evening waving placards criticising owner Abramovich for signing up to Florentino Perez’s brainchild, which has sent shockwaves throughout European football.
One sign called on Abramovich to ‘do the right thing’, and another mourned: “1905-2021. RIP CFC. Save The Bridge.”
The protest came after SunSport exclusively revealed Chelsea players were left concerned by the official ESL announcement on Sunday – as well as the threat of being banned from the Champions League following their semi-final achievement.
Chelsea were also forced to remove dozens of fan-owned banners from the stands as the Super League row intensified.
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Stamford Bridge’s famous Shed End was stripped bare as was the Matthew Harding Stand at the opposite end of the 41,000 capacity ground.

Irate supporters contacted Chelsea yesterday to voice their anger at plans for their club to join a group of 12 European teams in forming a breakaway league.
And one way of showing it has been to demand the taking down of the huge banners that have either hung from the top tiers or been placed on the empty seats during the Covid pandemic to show solidarity with Chelsea.

The supporters’ banners are the most notable inside the ground. 
One features a portrait of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich along with the slogan ‘Roman Army’. 
Another refers to a song lyric about Stamford Bridge – ‘The Only Place To Be Every Other Saturday’.
Police officers eventually blocked off fans from entering the roadCredit: AFP
Chelsea are one of 12 teams to sign up for the Super LeagueCredit: Getty
Others pay tribute to former players like ex-captain John Terry ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’ and ‘Super Frankie Lampard’.
Chelsea will be the first of the rebel ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League to host a match since the plan to form the Super League was confirmed.
Liverpool is another club involved in the controversial idea and their supporters have also asked for their banners to be taken off Anfield’s famous Kop End.
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Chelsea legend Petr Cech begs fans to let team bus as European Super League protest hits Brighton clash More

EUROPEAN Super League rebels face being summoned to appear before MPs.Greg Clarke’s appearance in front of the DCMS committee in November led to him resigning as FA chairman within hours after a string of stunning gaffes.
Committee chair Julian Knight says MPs are ‘determined to safeguard’ the enjoyment of fans
Greg Clarke lost his job as FA chairman after appearing in front of the DCMS committeeCredit: PA
And now the Big Six club bosses are set for a similar ordeal at the hands of the cross-party committee after it announced it would hold an “evidence session to examine the impact of the European Super League proposals and what action is needed to protect the future of football in the UK”.
Committee chair and Tory MP Julian Knight said: “The DCMS Committee has given its strong support for a hearing on these momentous developments in the football world.
“We are in discussion with key players and will want to hear from major stakeholders as the impact of the new European Super League proposals unfold.”
That foreshadows uncomfortable inquisitions for the club bosses, although it is unlikely United’s Joel Glazer, Liverpool owner John Henry or Roman Abramovich could be compelled to attend.
Knight added: “We will reflect the widely-expressed concerns of supporters which will be at the centre of our investigation.
“We welcome the Government’s fan-led review announced yesterday, finally given the impetus to go ahead by these seismic events.

“No-one will be off limits in our determination to establish what needs to be done to safeguard the preciously held enjoyment the sport gives to people and to protect its legacy for the future.”
Meanwhile, following a meeting with its 14 other clubs on Tuesday morning, the Premier League has also warned the ‘Big Six’ they face tough action.
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Their statement said: “The 14 clubs at the meeting unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans for the competition.
“The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those Shareholders involved to account under its rules. 
“The League will continue to work with key stakeholders including fan groups, Government, Uefa, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to protect the best interests of the game and call on those clubs involved in the proposed competition to cease their involvement immediately.”
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Boris Johnson brands European Super League a CARTEL and says ‘it’s not right’ to rob British fans of footie More