European Super League

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      Watch Barcelona profit from comical own-goal as Lionel Messi nets twice vs Getafe in first game since ESL controversy

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      BARCELONA profited from a farcical own goal in their first game since the failed European Super League plot.President Joan Laporta insisted the Dirty Dozen’s breakaway competition remains “absolutely necessary” before kick-off on Thursday, as he and Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez continue their campaign to screw over LaLiga’s also-rans.

      Getafe scored a comical own goal as they lost 5-2 to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      The farcical effort helped Barca to victory in their first game since the ESL falloutCredit: AP
      Yet opponents Getafe were clearly in a forgiving mood as Sofian Chakla produced one of the season’s standout own goals to set Barca on their way to a convincing 5-2 victory
      Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet had already put one in his own net in the opening 15 minutes, cancelling out Lionel Messi’s opener.
      But his blushes were spared when Chakla overcooked his backpass and chased in vain as the ball agonisingly rolled over the goalline, restoring Barca’s lead.
      Messi then scored his second goal five minutes later to make it 3-1.
      Enes Unal’s penalty gave Getafe a flicker of hope in the second half.
      But Ronald Araujo’s bullet header from Messi’s corner made the points safe late on.
      And there was still time for one more as Messi generously passed up a golden chance at yet another hat-trick by allowing Antoine Griezmann to slot home and injury time spot-kick.
      Victory takes Ronald Koeman’s side back into third in LaLiga – five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, with a game in hand – as we approach the end of a turbulent week for football fans across the continent.
      The Catalans were one of 12 sides to sign up to the European Super League on Sunday.
      But after widespread criticism, all six Premier League clubs pulled out on Tuesday with Atletico and Inter Milan following soon after.
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      Lionel Messi scored twice at the Nou Camp to help Barca on their way to victoryCredit: Getty

      Despite that, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan still remain.
      And Barca president Laporta has refused to apologise for the mess, insisting a super league is needed and that he hopes fresh talks can get it back on its feet.
      Laporta said: “It is absolutely necessary. We are supporters of the national leagues and we will talk to Uefa.
      “We have a position of prudence. It is a necessity, but the last word in the end will be from the members.
      “The big clubs contribute a lot – we must participate in the economic distribution.
      “It should be an attractive competition based on sporting merits. We are open to dialogue with Uefa, I think there will be an understanding.”
      Araujo seals the points for Barca! 🔵🔴A great leap and a powerful header from the corner, and an important 3 points for Koeman’s side 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RvGjD9oanM— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) April 22, 2021

      Erling Haaland’s dad and agent land in Barcelona and whisked off to transfer meeting with president Joan Laporta More

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      European Super League scheme ‘tainted’ football’s image in middle of pandemic, blasts Ward-Prowse

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      JAMES WARD-PROWSE feels football’s image has been tarnished by the European Super League saga.The England star was against the breakaway bid and disappointed to see money being the main motivation for the greedy Big-Six owners orchestrating it.
      Ward-Prowse did not hold back in slamming the Big Six for their European Super League planCredit: Getty
      Particularly in the midst of a pandemic when many football fans have been struggling financially.
      Southampton skipper JWP, 26, told SunSport: “It’s tainted the image of football.
      “The love that you should have for it as a kid, when you never think about anything else apart from playing with a smile and enjoying what you’re doing.
      “It’s disappointing, considering the times we’re living in, that these proposals were made and that money is at the forefront of the minds of some people.

      “There’s a bigger picture than that. It comes back round to our responsibility that we have as players to ensure that we’re doing it for the right reasons, and we want to inspire young players.
      “We know that a lot of young people are looking up to us and want to be like us. We have to be seen to be doing it in the right way.”
      In stark contrast to the events of this week, Ward-Prowse will participate in a special initiative on Wednesday that serves as a reminder of how football can be a force for good.
      He, along with team-mates Theo Walcott, Che Adams and Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, will take part as Southampton host a live-streamed PE lesson to more than 300 schools across the country.
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      The virtual lesson, as part of the Virgin Media Football Academy, allows kids to interact with Saints coaches and players as it is beamed into their classroom.
      It comes after worrying statistics revealed that since the start of the pandemic, 57 per cent of young people say they are exercising less than previously.
      Ward-Prowse, a product of Southampton’s famed academy, added: “It’s great to be giving these kids an opportunity to get active again.
      “As a kid growing up through the academy it was all about the enjoyment and to play football with a smile. You never thought about the money you could earn.

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      “The responsibility is there for us to ensure that it is about that enjoyment factor for the young generation. As players, we’ve got a very important role to play.”
      Meanwhile, JWP maintains Saints’ season is certainly not over.
      The free-kick specialist added: “Personally, there’s still a lot to play for.
      “I want to do everything I can to be in the Euros squad. And as a team it’s important we finish the season strong.”
      The Virgin Media Football Academy is a series of lesson plans, training videos and a special live-streamed lesson on April 28 with Southampton FC to get schoolchildren active.
      For more info, visit https://www.virginmedia.com/virgin-tv-edit/sport/virgin-media-football-academy.html.
      Arteta claims Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has apologised to him and players over European Super League farce More

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      Arsenal ‘one of best clubs in world’ insists Arteta in defence of tenth-placed Gunners’ brief inclusion in ESL

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      MIKEL ARTETA has defended Arsenal’s brief inclusion in the European Super League and declared: “We are one of the best clubs in the world.”The Gunners boss acknowledged that his team will have to face the consequences of being at the heart of this week’s upheavals.
      Mikel Arteta has defender Arsenal’s inclusion in the European Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      A few eyebrows were raised when the Gunners were one of 12 teams picked for the competitionCredit: Getty
      Arteta insists Arsenal remain one of the best clubs in world footballCredit: Getty
      And he confessed that the proposed breakaway had been badly handled, after getting a personal apology from American owner Stan Kroenke.
      But the Spaniard bristled at suggestions that Arsenal were lucky to be invited to join the Euro rebels after dropping out of the Champions League and loitering mid-table in the Premier League.
      It is now 17 years since Arsenal last won the title, yet Arteta, 39, insisted: “We are one of the best clubs in the world because of our history, which you cannot deny.
      “That history is attached to results and to a certain way of doing things and representing our values in the right manner.
      “The amount of love and support that we have around the world is not a coincidence.
      “It has been earned over years and years, thanks to a lot of people who have been involved in the history of this club.
      “Right now we are in ninth position in the Premier League but we are also in the  semi-final of a European competition, so you can look at it from a different perspective.
      “But we are always trying our best and we could not be any prouder to represent this club and we totally understand the excellence that we have to  pursue.”
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      The Gunners are currently sitting mid-table in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Arsenal have become regulars in the Europa League instead of Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Arteta admits Arsenal will have to face the consequences of joining the ESLCredit: Getty

      Yet Arteta’s defence of Arsenal’s values came at the end of a week in which they were forced by public outrage  to abandon their secret  breakaway plans.
      And more fan protests are expected to take place before tonight’s home game against Arteta’s former club Everton.
      He added: “Some damage has been done, that’s for sure and this has put us on the back foot again after all the territory we have made in the last months.
      “There are always terrible consequences when you make  a decision that is not done  in the right way and we are going to have to accept any that are there.

      “I found out about the Super League just before the news was leaked and then everything was completely out of control before a big tsunami came out and basically killed it.
      “But I would like everyone to understand that the players weren’t involved in it and I don’t think it’s fair for them to pay the price for this.
      “I spoke with the owners and they apologised for disturbing the team and asked me to pass that message to the players.
      “My role at the club is very clear. I get involved in some things and there are some people  we trust and rely on, who are much better than me at doing other things.

      “The people who work at  this club are very intelligent and professional, so I’m sure they had the right reasons to start something.
      “But it clearly didn’t work, or it wasn’t the right time, or it wasn’t done in the right way.
      “And it says a lot about the people who are involved in those decisions that they stepped back straight away.
      “And the way this has been handled internally has been really good.”
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      Arteta claims Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has apologised to him and players over European Super League farce More

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      European Super League is ‘necessary’, insists Barcelona chief Joan Laporta as he confirms support despite Prem exodus

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      BARCELONA president Joan Laporta insists the highly-controversial European Super League is ‘absolutely necessary’ – despite its apparent collapse.The football world was shocked on Sunday when 12 clubs revealed the formation of the proposed breakaway competition to rival the Champions League.
      Barca chief Joan Laporta insists the highly-controversial European Super League is ‘absolutely necessary’Credit: AP
      Manchester United, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham – were among the ‘Dirty Dozen’.
      But all six Premier League sides were forced into an embarrassing U-turn within just 48 hours in the face of widespread criticism and huge fan protests.
      While politicians, pundits and even their own players came out against the controversial plans.
      Italian giants Inter Milan and Spanish side Atletico Madrid soon followed suit.
      However, Real Madrid president, and ringleader, Florentino Perez reiterated on Wednesday night his desire to push ahead with the project.
      And, Barcelona’s Laporta also insists some form of Super League system is needed.
      He told TV3: “It [a Super League] is absolutely necessary. We are supporters of the national leagues and we will talk to Uefa.
      “We have a position of prudence. It is a necessity, but the last word in the end will be [from] the members.
      “The big clubs contribute a lot – we must participate in the economic distribution.
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      “It should be an attractive competition, based on sporting merits. We are open to an open dialogue with Uefa. I think there will be an understanding.”
      Barcelona later released a statement, declaring ‘it would have been a historical error to turn down the opportunity’ of joining the ESL.
      It read: “FC Barcelona shares the view of most major European football clubs, and even more so given the current socio-economic climate, that there is a need for structural reforms to guarantee the financial sustainability and feasibility of world football by improving the product that is offered to fans around the world and by consolidating and even increasing the fan base on which this sport is sustained, which is its mainstay and greatest strength.
      “In this context, the FC Barcelona Board of Directors accepted, as a matter of immediate urgency, the offer to form part, as the founding member, of the Super League, a competition designed to improve the quality and attractiveness of the product offered to the football fans and, at the same time, and as one of FC Barcelona’s most inalienable principles, seek new formulas for solidarity with the football family as a whole.
      “The decision was made in the conviction that it would have been a historical error to turn down the opportunity to be part of this project as one of its founding members.
      “As one of the world’s top sports club, our intention shall always be to be at the forefront, this being an indispensable part of the club’s identity and its sporting, social and institutional spirit.
      “In whatever case, FC Barcelona, as a club that always has been and always shall be owned by each and every one of its members, expressly reserved the right to submit such an important decision to the final approval of its competent social bodies following careful and very necessary study of the proposal.”

      The statement continued: “Given the public reaction that the aforementioned project has generated in many and various spheres, there is no question that FC Barcelona appreciates that a much more in-depth analysis is required into the reasons that have caused this reaction in order to reconsider, if necessary, and to the required extent, the proposal as originally formulated and resolve all those issues, always for the good of the general interest of the football world.
      “Such in-depth analysis needs time and the necessary composure to avoid taking any rash action.
      “We feel it is equally important to highlight the objective fact that a Court of Justice has already granted urgent legal protection as requested, thus confirming right of the initiative on the part of the founding clubs of the Super League project.
      “In this regard, FC Barcelona considers that it would be improper for the necessary process of reflection and debate to be established under criteria of unjustified pressure and intimidation.
      “Despite being perfectly aware of the importance and interest raised by this matter, as well as the need to always act with the utmost transparency, FC Barcelona shall act at all times with due prudence and asks for the utmost understanding, respect and most of all patience among FC Barcelona supporters and public opinion in general.”
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      Real Madrid chief Perez insists European Super League still alive More

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      Arsenal supremo Josh Kroenke admits ‘we got it wrong’ and promises to pay European Super League withdrawal fees

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      ARSENAL chief Josh Kroenke has admitted the club ‘got it wrong’ by signing up to the European Super League.The Gunners agreed to be one of the 12 founding members of the highly controversial breakaway league on Sunday.
      Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke (left) alongside his son JoshCredit: Reuters
      Josh Kroenke spoke to Arsenal supporters in a fan forum
      But widespread condemnation from fans, pundits and politicians forced them, along with the rest of the Big Six, into an embarrassing U-turn just 48 hours later.
      Arsenal apologised in a grovelling statement as they withdrew on Tuesday evening.
      But that wasn’t enough to appease supporters who have called for “cowardly” owner Stan Kroenke to sell the club – even begging Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to make a bid.
      Now non-executive director Josh Kroenke, son of owner Stan, has tried to explain the debacle in a Gunners fan forum.
      He told Arsenal’s fan representatives: “We asked ourselves, what is worse: ESL, or ESL without Arsenal?
      “Also asked ourselves what do the fans want? The global fan wants AFC vs Barca as often as possible.
      “English fans want to see more big matches, but you still want your cold nights in Stoke. We got it wrong.”
      Kroenke also confirmed on Thursday that all fees relating to the withdrawal of the ESL will be paid directly by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
      The six English clubs that had signed up to the ESL – Arsenal, Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham – all withdrew in a stunning climbdown earlier this week.
      AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid then followed their lead as they left just Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona as they only clubs remaining.
      And Juventus chief Andre Agnelli announced on Wednesday that the ESL could not proceed following the mass withdrawals.
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      But in another bizarre twist overnight on Thursday, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez confirmed his intent to push ahead with the competition.
      He said: “The founder clubs believed in this project. It is not dead. We will keep working.
      “Nobody has yet paid the penalisation fee for leaving. We are almost all still in this, they have not left yet.
      “Juventus and Milan have not left. Barca are thinking about it. Maybe we can change it a bit – that the top four in England enter, the top four in Spain.
      “The important thing is that the big teams play each other, so the kids will watch football.
      “The contracts are signed by serious people, businessmen who know this world. We agreed last night to wait and to try and explain better, and we are open to other ideas.”
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      Boris Johnson’s ‘legislative bomb’ to stop European Super League included putting games on free-to-air TV

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      PM Boris Johnson and Ministers drew-up a ‘legislative bomb’ to stop the European Super League’s potential earnings from broadcast rights in Britain.That included forcing the now scuppered project’s matches to be shown on free-to-air television.
      Boris Johnson drew-up a ‘legislative bomb’ to stop the European Super League’s potential earningsCredit: AFP
      The planned breakaway was axed after huge pressure from supportersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The proposal was being prepared by the Prime Minister and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden after the rebel Big Six clubs announced they were joining the breakaway league.
      Sunday’s announcement instantly drew fierce criticism and protests, leading to Man City and United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal all having to make an embarrassing U-turn within 48 hours.
      But the Daily Mail claims Johnson and his fellow MPS had ‘an explosive policy package under consideration’ that ‘included the use of competition law and tax rules to block the power grab’ by the six clubs, should they have pushed forward with plans.
      It is reported that politicians and civil servants were at work from the moment FA chief executive Mark Bullingham tipped them off about the impending announcement on Sunday.
      All other party leaders were just as outraged at the plans, which would have created a clear path for Parliament to make changes to the law.
      Johnson and Dowden met with football chiefs and supporters groups on Tuesday with the PM promising they would consider ‘a legislative bomb’ to stop English clubs joining the breakaway.
      Now, despite the sides’ dramatic climbdown, ministers remain ready to push on with a long-awaited review of how the national game is run. 
      Johnson revealed yesterday in Prime Minister’s Questions that former sports minister Tracey Crouch is being tasked with leading a ‘root-and-branch investigation into the governance of football and into what we can do to promote the role of fans in that governance.’
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      Meanwhile, Dowden revealed the government’s interest in fans holding the majority of voting rights at a club like in German football.
      Under DFL rules, teams are not allowed to compete if private investors hold more than a 49 per cent stake in a club.
      Dowden said: “Naturally we’ve got to learn the lessons from the crisis in football financing during the Covid crisis. We need to put this on a more sustainable footing.
      “For example, in the German leagues they have a different governance structure so it’s right we look at those things.”

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      Supercomputer predicts where Celtic and Rangers would be in Premier League table ahead of proposed British Super League

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted where Rangers and Celtic would be in the Premier League – and it’s grim viewing for this season’s Scottish champs.SunSport exclusively revealed that the two teams are wanted to join an all-British League as part of the fall-out from the failed Euro Super League breakaway plot.
      Rangers might be the Scottish champs – but a supercomputer has predicted struggles in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty

      While the Big Six led the humiliating retreat from the Super League debacle, they are still convinced that reform of the Prem is essential.
      But bettingexpert.com’s research has forecasted a less than impressive return for this season’s Scottish Premiership winners.
      Using Celtic and Rangers’ points-per-game record against English opposition, the supercomputer has predicted where the Scottish teams would be sitting in this season’s Premier League after 32 games.
      Steven Gerrard’s side would be sitting on the edge of relegation with a points total of 30 from 22 games based on their 0.9 points-per-game from 14 matches against English sides.
      Celtic, meanwhile, are expected to fall just shy of Europe, but edge into the top half of the Premier League standings with 45 points from 22 games based on their points-per-game of 1.4.
      The research takes into account both clubs’ previous meetings with English teams, including the likes of Manchester United, Leeds, Newcastle and Arsenal going back to 1960.
      A Bettingexpert.com spokesperson said: “Rangers have typically struggled when facing Premier League opponents, but one caveat is their impressive title win this season, as well as a strong run in the Europa League that could give them a better chance in the Premier League than history suggests.
      “Celtic have experienced a dip this year, but recent results against English clubs suggest they might be better suited to coping with a significant step up in quality.
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      Steven Gerrard would surely relish bringing Rangers to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA

      “This also gives an indication as to how the Scottish clubs may have done had they been included in a European Super League with Celtic, for example, just one point off Arsenal in this scenario.”
      As SunSport exclusively revealed top of the list of plans being actively discussed is an offer to the two Glasgow giants to come and play south of Hadrian’s Wall.
      And unlike the Super League shambles which was condemned globally, it’s likely an enlarged Premier League including the Old Firm would be BACKED by Fifa, Uefa and the UK Government.
      Celtic and Rangers would jump at the chance to take a slice of the Prem cake, while their inclusion would also see a spike in interest from fans across the world, sponsors and broadcasters.
      Even the pair’s SPL rivals are thought likely to be willing to wave goodbye to the two dominant forces north of the border, because it would give them a realistic chance of winning the title and the chance to qualify for the revamped Champions League.
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      British Super League being planned in secret with Celtic and Rangers joining Prem in new US-style play-off system More

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      Premier League drastically rewriting rulebook so they can KICK OUT clubs who try to join future Super League

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      PREM bosses will rewrite their rulebook this summer – to make any future moves to join a Super League an EXPULSION offence.The dramatic step, agreed by chief executive Richard Masters, comes in the wake of the turmoil of the past week.
      The Premier League are putting in new rules in the wake of the controversial attempted European Super League breakawayCredit: Reuters
      Prem chief executive Richard Masters hopes the new rules will go through at the June AGMCredit: Getty
      Clubs outside the Big Six are still wanting payback.
      And Masters is moving to ensure the rule changes go through on the nod at the June annual general meeting.
      A rule making it effectively illegal to enter into any breakaway talks will be drafted.
      One prominent insider explained: “This will kill off the threat….for ever.”
      Masters was already part way through a thorough review of the League’s governance rules before this week’s crisis blew up.
      The chief exec has demonstrated a calm and determined stance, including enlisting the backing of PM Boris Johnson.
      Masters emailed all 20 club chiefs when the crisis broke.
      He urged the rebels to ‘walk away immediately’ and promising ‘complete condemnation’ from all elements of the game and Westminster.
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      It was already accepted that rules needed to be tightened up after the gaps were illustrated by the chaos after last season’s March shutdown.
      Rows between the clubs who were seeking to close down the entire season and teams – including all of the Big Six – who were determined to play to a finish rumbled for months before Project Restart kicked into gear in June.
      But the events since Sunday’s breakaway announcement, which culminated in Tuesday’s humiliating cave-in by the rebels, has further clarified the determination of Prem bosses to make sure it can never be repeated.

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      What happens now the European Super League has collapsed More