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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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      Arteta claims Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has apologised to him and players over European Super League farce More

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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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      Boris Johnson says investigation into football governance will go ahead despite Super League collapse More

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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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      There are some quality players up for grabs for nothing
      What happens now the European Super League has collapsed More

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      European Super League LIVE: Real Madrid vs Chelsea may get POSTPONED – Ceferin, Celtic and Rangers British Super League

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      CHELSEA’S Champions League tie with Real Madrid could be postponed, says Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin.The Slovene is furious with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and not shy of admitting it, making the comments in an interview in Slovenia.
      Meanwhile the ill-fated Super League could make way for a British Super League with Rangers and Celtic.
      SunSport can exclusively reveal that an offer to the Old Firm to join is top of the list of plans being actively discussed for reform of the Premier League.
      That means they would join Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and all the biggest English stars for what would be a massive change to the UK sporting landscape.
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below from this developing story…
      SUPER LEAGUE ON STANDBY
      A reminder that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is not taking no for an answer.
      Perez is adamant the European Super League is not a busted flush and simply on hold.
      Perez said: “We’re going to continue working. The project is on standby.”
      Nothing if not stubborn but will his faith in the failed proposal pay off or is he simply wasting everyone’s time?
      LAUGHING STOCK
      Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he thought it was a joke when he heard about the European Super League announcement.
      Ancelotti could not believe what he was hearing after the six Premier League clubs attempted to join the breakaway group.
      Carlo Ancelotti could not believe the Super League breakawayCredit: Reuters
      Ancelotti said: “My immediate reaction was they are joking, this is a joke!”
      “It’s a joke because it’s not going to happen. It’s impossible.
      “Sport culture in Europe is different to American sports. Not because we are right and they are wrong, but because the culture of the people is different. In America, in the USA, sport is different. Sport is entertainment.”
      ONE TO PER-GET
      Premier League clubs have no chance of signing Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland without money from the doomed European Super League.
      That is the view of deluded Real Madrid president Florentino Perez who is still desperately clinging to the remains of the money-grabbing scheme despite all six English clubs bailing on it already.
      Both Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with Borussia Dortmund ace Haaland.
      His agent, the controversial Mino Raiola, even embarked on a world tour to meet prospective clubs interested in the free-scoring sensation.
      And Mbappe has been linked with a Paris Saint-Germain exit too.
      The France international’s current contract with the Ligue 1 champions expires next summer and talks over a new deal have yet to bear fruit with Manchester City linked.
      NO JOSHING
      Arsenal director Josh Kroenke WILL appear at an online fans’ forum this afternoon.
      The meeting was initially postponed following the European Super League announcement that caused uproar last weekend.
      Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Following passionate protests, the ESL crumbled, but supporters are still demanding answers from those in charge.
      The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust demanded that Kroenke or his father Stan be present at the fans’ forum, as it was they who signed off on Tuesday’s ‘apology’.
      They tweeted: “Yesterday the AST along with most supporter forum members sent the following to Arsenal: The statement issued by Arsenal clearly signs off as the ‘Arsenal Board’.
      “As we know, [chief executive] Vinai Venkatesham is not on the board so who from the board will be joining us on Thursday to apologise and justify their decisions over the last few days?
      “We expect Stan Kroenke or Josh Kroenke to be present – and if they really are sorry, they can tell us themselves. It’s been confirmed that JK will be attending. We’ll be telling him exactly what we think!”
      DON’T DO IT!
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s aide told the UAE to stop Manchester City playing in the Super League.
      The Times reports Lord Udny-Lister, the PM’s special envoy to the Gulf, warned the country’s government that it would damage the relationship with the UK.
      City are owned by the Abu Dhabi United group controlled by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan – UAE deputy PM.
      It highlights how desperate Johnson was to derail the breakaway and highly controversial league.
      Credit: AFP
      HARRY UP!
      SunSport understands Tottenham striker Harry Kane is winning his race to be fit for the Carabao Cup final against Man City on Sunday.
      Kane sat out the 2-1 win over Southampton, as 29-year-old Ryan Mason took charge for the first time after Jose Mourinho’s sacking.

      BARC FOR GOOD?
      Barcelona will put the Super League to a vote of their members, president Joan Laporta confirmed.
      Laporta told TV3: We have a position of prudence. It is a necessity (the Super League), but the last word will be from the members. We big clubs add a lot of resources and we must talk about the division of money.
      “It must be an attractive competition, based on sporting merits. We are in favor of the national leagues and we are open to a frank dialogue with UEFA. We need more resources to make this a great show. I believe there will be an understanding.”
      It comes as Laporta’s Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez slammed the idea, saying: “Do I have to ask the fans every time I sign a player?”
      The Dirty DozenCredit: AFP
      LACA OPTIONS
      Mikel Arteta will have to make do without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette against Everton on Friday night.
      Arsenal host the Toffees for the 8pm kick-off without the bulk of their first-choice frontline.
      Here’s how the Gunners could line up.

      BRIT’S A WINNER
      Fans have thrown their support behind the proposed British Super League.
      SunSport exclusively revealed last night that plans were in place for Celtic and Rangers to join an 18-team British top-flight after the European Super League crumbled.

      IT’S NOT FINE
      Uefa are reportedly considering slapping sanction on the dirty dozen after their attempts to breakaway and start the Super League.
      The Guardian reports Uefa are increasingly more inclined to punish the 12 sides involved.
      President Aleksander Ceferin has warned the rebel teams that they will ‘suffer the consequences’ of ‘their mistake’.
      Punishments could extend to bans from the Champions League next season but it remains to be seen if or what is handed down to the sides.
      MEN IN BLUE
      Chelsea are in a four-way transfer battle for wonderkid Gabriel Menino, according to reports.
      The Brazilian has attracted interest with his ‘great technical qualities’ while playing for Palmeiras.
      The Blues are long-standing admirers of Menino, and have been linked with making a £17million swoop.
      But now they’ve got competition.
      According to Calciomercato, Tottenham are also interested in the gifted midfielder, who can play at right-back.
      Menino starred as his side won the Copa Libertadores last year, being selected in the official team of the tournament.
      Credit: Getty
      STRONGER UNITED?
      Bruno Fernandes has revealed he’ll sign a new contract at Manchester United – but only if Paul Pogba does too.
      However, that might not be quite as good news as fans would have first thought.
      After all, according to the stats, United are better all over the pitch when at least one of them is NOT playing.

      SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
      Scottish champions Rangers would survive their first season in the British Premier League – but Celtic would be RELEGATED, according to Jamie O’Hara.
      SunSport exclusively revealed the Scottish giants are wanted down south as part of a new-look Premier League.
      The radical move would put Glasgow’s big two on a level financial playing field with the rest of England’s top-flight and see them wave goodbye to Scottish football.
      Rangers and Celtic’s dreams of moving south have been blocked in the past – and they would still require the backing of at least 14 Premier League clubs, plus the FA and SFA.
      But crucially, the cross-border league would receive the backing of Fifa, Uefa and the UK Government – with an exclusive SunSport poll revealing more fans want it than don’t.
      O’Hara told talkSPORT: “Right now, if they got put in tomorrow, I think Rangers would survive, they would stay up.
      “If you put them in the Premier League now I think Rangers would stay up with Steven Gerrard in charge. They’ve had a great season. Celtic would go down, I’d put them up for relegation.”
      Credit: The Sun

      SELL BY DATE
      One of the Big Six owners is reportedly close to putting the club up for sale.
      All the mega rich owners have been slammed in the wake of the Super League debacle.
      And Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol reports one is ready to quit the club and cash in.
      Owners beginning to sit up and take notice. Hearing one owner close to throwing the towel in and putting his club up for sale— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) April 22, 2021

      RICCI RICH
      Arsenal are reportedly in competition with Leicester in the race to sign Empoli starlet Samuele Ricci in the summer.
      The 19-year-old midfielder has impressed for the Serie B outfit this term – chipping in with two goals and four assists in 29 league matches.
      And according to Tuttomercatoweb, his performances haven’t gone unnoticed as the Gunners and Foxes look to bring him to England.
      They state that both clubs have made contact with the player’s agent about a potential move at the end of the season.
      And Empoli may be forced to cash in on the Italy youth international to avoid losing him on a free in 2022 when his contract expires.
      Understood to be one of Italy’s most promising talents, Ricci has been a key player for the Blues since breaking into the first-team in September 2019.
      It has been suggested that Empoli could be willing to do business should they receive a fee in the region of £10million.
      Credit: Getty

      TAMMY BUG
      Chelsea outcast Tammy Abraham has been linked with a return to Aston Villa with the striker ‘sad and angry’ at the Blues.
      The striker has fallen out of favour since Thomas Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard in January and a Villa Park reunion is reportedly on the cards.
      Abraham, 23, has not played for the Blues since February and he wasn’t even in the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final win against Manchester City.
      The England ace does not appear to be in Tuchel’s plans and his spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad is undoubtedly at risk given his lack of game time.
      As a result, his old club Villa are keeping tabs on the situation ahead of a potential summer move, according to the Birmingham Mail.
      Abraham scored 26 goals in 40 games on loan at Villa to help fire the club back to the Premier League in the 2018-19 season.
      He is said to retain several admirers at Villa Park with Dean Smith expected to target attacking reinforcements at the end of this campaign.
      Credit: EPA
      ED’S ROLLED
      Gary Lineker claimed he knows Ed Woodward resigned because of his belief in the football pyramid.
      Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman announced on Monday he will leave the club by the end of 2021.
      The news came shortly before the controversial Super League crumbled with all Big Six clubs withdrawing from the widely-panned project.
      Woodward praised his club in a statement, saying: “I am extremely proud to have served United and it has been an honour to work for the world’s greatest football club for the past 16 years.”
      He added that it will be “difficult to walk away at the end of the year” but that he is “proud of the regeneration of the club’s culture”.

      Credit: PA
      PEOPLE’S CLUBS
      Government officials are considering mandating English football to adopt the German model of majority fan ownership.
      Bundesliga teams must ensure at least a 51 per cent stake in the club is held by supporters – although there are exceptions.
      The German FA (DFB) does not allow any side where more than 49 per cent is owned by private investors to compete, unless they can meet strict rules.
      For example, 75 per cent of Bayern Munich is owned by the supporters’ club and members vote on its president, with the remaining 25 per cent split between Audi, Adidas and Allianz.
      Any team owned by a single person or company was typically formed by that entity, such as car manufacturer Volkswagen, who founded top-flight club Wolfsburg in 1945.
      Should an investor hope to take majority control of a club, they need to have consistently invested for 20 years such as Hoffenheim chief Dietmar Hopp.
      Software magnate Hopp has nonetheless faced huge criticism from rival clubs for guiding the historically small club to European football.
      Introducing such a system to English football is being mooted following the European Super League debacle.
      Credit: Getty
      SORRY STATE
      Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke and CEO Vinai Venkatesham have apologised to boss Mikel Arteta and the club’s players following the Super League debacle.
      Arteta was asked if the bigwigs had said sorry at his press conference today and he replied: “Yes. Starting from Vinai, the ownership and everybody that is involved in the process.
      “All of them, with the right intentions to defend the club and put the club in the best possible position for now and for the future, but accepting that the way it’s been handled has had terrible consequences and that it was a mistake.
      “I really have to respect that when people have genuine intentions to do the best for this football club. But if it doesn’t happen or not the right thing to do, they can stand up here and apologise.
      “I’m speaking for myself and I think the players, staff, everybody working at the club, we have to accept that and move on. The way it’s been handled has been really good internally.”
      He was pressed on if the Kroenkes had also apologised and added: “Yes, absolutely. Obviously they have the maximum responsibility of running the football club and this is what they said.
      “They apologised for disturbing the team, not having the capacity or ability to communicate in a different way earlier and explain the reasons why.
      “They wanted me to pass on the message to the players. That’s all you can ask for. The way they’ve done it, I have to accept it completely.”
      Arsenal majority shareholder Stan KroenkeCredit: Getty
      GET A GRIP
      Florentino Perez continues to cling on to his European Super League dream despite nine clubs pulling out.
      And the Real Madrid president sensationally claimed protests from Chelsea fans were STAGED.
      He told Spanish radio show El Larguero: “If anyone thinks the Super League is dead, are they wrong? Absolutely.
      “We’re going to keep working and what everyone thinks is for the best will emerge.
      “The project is on standby. The Super League still exists.”
      Perez then unbelievably suggested ‘somebody placed’ the Chelsea fans to start the protest.
      He said: “Who brought those Chelsea fans to protest? Someone moved them.”
      Credit: Reuters
      HAAL OR NOTHING
      Manchester United’s hopes of signing Erling Haaland this summer have been hit after Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc insisted their star man will stay.
      Just hours after United’s humiliating European Super League about-turn, they have been handed another hammer blow.
      Dortmund chief Michael Zorc says that the 20-year-old striker won’t be moving anywhere – even if the Germans miss out on Champions League qualification.
      Speaking to Sky Germany, Zorc said: “We made a clear statement about the Haaland cause.
      “The decision will not be made without Borussia Dortmund. No matter where we end up, Erling will continue to play for us.”

      FAN FURY
      Manchester United fans today broke into the club’s training complex to protest against the failed European Super League project – armed with a banner which read ‘We decide when you play’.
      Around 20 furious supporters targeted the Aon training complex in Carrington this morning – just hours before the first team squad were due in for training.
      A Manchester United spokesman addressed the situation, confirming that boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had spoken to protesters: “At approximately 9am this morning a group gained access to the club training ground.
      “The manager and others spoke to them. Buildings were secure and the group has now left the site.”
      Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher are also understood to have spoken to fans.
      Credit: Twitter @RedIssue
      Credit: Twitter @RedIssue
      Credit: Twitter @RedIssue
      FOR REAL?
      Real Madrid chief and Super League chairman Florentino Perez slammed Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin’s claims next week’s Champions League semi-final against Chelsea could be called OFF.
      Ceferin said there was a ‘relatively small chance’ the game may not take place in wake of the Super League scandal.
      But Perez snapped back at the claims.
      He said: “Why Ceferin says that there is a small chance that Real Madrid – Chelsea won’t be played?
      “Why? I don’t understand.”
      Credit: PA
      GAME OFF?
      Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin hinted Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid may be called OFF.
      The football world is reeling in the wake of the rise and fall of the Super League this week.
      And Ceferin told Slovenian outlet 24ur.com: “The key is that the season has already started, the key is for the television to claim damages against us if we don’t play the semi-finals.
      “Therefore, there is a relatively small chance that this match will not take place next week. But it will be a little different in the future.”
      Credit: Getty
      GLAZED OVER
      Manchester United fans have BLOCKED both entrances to the club’s Carrington training complex as they protest against the Glazers.
      The American owners have had an uneasy relationship with the supporters for years, with debts having mounted and Old Trafford being allowed to rust.
      And the Super League debacle has sparked a fresh wave of discontent.
      Chelsea fans barricaded stars from entering Stamford Bridge prior to their match with Brighton on Wednesday night.
      And United supporters have followed suit, blocking the entrance to the Red Devils’ AON Training Complex at Carrington.
      Banners featured the slogans ‘Glazers Out’ and ’51& MUFC’, likely advocating for Germany’s 50+1 fan ownership rule.
      Fans holding up signs of protest made it onto the first team training pitch.

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