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      Chelsea fans celebrate outside Stamford Bridge after Blues QUIT Super League following furious backlash

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      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

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      Chelsea forced to remove dozens of fan-owned banners from stands before Brighton clash over European Super League plot

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      CHELSEA were forced to remove dozens of fan-owned banners from the stands before withdrawing from the Super League tonight.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 before Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Brighton, with irate fans protesting ahead of kick-off.
      Fan-owned banners were removed ahead of Chelsea’s draw with BrightonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Irate supporters contacted Chelsea on Monday 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 was 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.
      But Blues supporters upped their game by protesting against the Super League outside Stamford Bridge this evening before kick-off.
      They blocked the Fulham Road in chaotic scenes and even prevented the team buses from entering the stadium, forcing the game to be delayed until 8.15pm.
      Technical director and former goalie Petr Cech was forced to approach the protestors, begging them to move out of the way for the bus.
      And the fans were later celebrating as news broke that Chelsea were pulling out of the controversial super league, with Roman Abramovich ‘livid’ at being ‘blindsided’ by the backlash.
      As for the banners, fans were told the banners would be removed in time for the 8pm kick off against Brighton which ended in a bore draw and saw the Blues drop more points in the Champions League race.
      The supporters’ banners are the most notable inside the ground.
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      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’.
      Others pay tribute to former players like ex-captain John Terry ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’ and ‘Super Frankie Lampard’.
      Chelsea were 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.

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      Liverpool fans are also raging at the owners decision to sign up to the ESLCredit: Getty

      Liverpool are another club involved in the controversial idea.
      And their supporters have also asked for their banners to be taken off Anfield’s famous Kop.
      For full details on how the European Super League will work, check out SunSport’s extensive guide to the hugely controversial plans.
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      European Super League rebels face being summoned to appear before MPs as they are warned ‘no-one will be off limits’

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      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

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      European Super League boost as Madrid court blocks Fifa and Uefa from punishing breakaway rebel clubs

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      EUROPEAN Super League plans received a boost when a Spanish court said Fifa and Uefa cannot punish rebel clubs.A Spanish commercial court said in a preliminary ruling that that the world and European football bodies must not prevent the 12 clubs from creating the league.
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is central to the European Super League plansCredit: AP

      It was not immediately clear what authority the Madrid court, which adjudicates corporate disputes, had over the football bodies, Reuters report.
      The court said in a written ruling seen by Reuters that Fifa, Uefa and all its associated soccer federations must not adopt ‘any measure that prohibits, restricts, limits or conditions in any way’ the creation of the Super League.
      The Super League project is headed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, and the company that has been set up to the run the competition is based in Madrid.
      The company applied to the Spanish court for an injunction to prevent soccer regulators from taking any action against its new league.
      The judge slapped a preliminary block on Fifa and Uefa at least for the duration of the legal proceedings.
      The court intervention came after both Uefa and Fifa warned they would impose sanctions on clubs and players competing in the new league, which has been set up as a rival to the established Champions League.
      Any players competing in the European Super League have been threatened with bans from Fifa and Uefa competition.
      Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid were warned they could be thrown out of this season’s tournament.
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      And angry Premier League clubs want the Big Six – all of whom have signed up to the plans – to quit the English top-flight.
      But Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett threatened legal action if that happens.
      He told BBC: “It’s a disgrace. The first thing they talk about is banning players.
      “My main concern is players and representatives have not been consulted over this and right away people like Fifa and Uefa are threatening to ban them.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      “Everybody is putting the blame on players, and the only people who are really going to suffer inside the business is the players.”
      Barnett added: “Anything that affects the players. I assure you, we will go to court to fight the rights of the players.
      “You can have a situation for example where a player plays under Fifa rules on a Saturday and different rules on another day.”

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      Joel Glazer’s Man Utd takeover statement comes back to bite him after promising fans ‘wouldn’t notice change’

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      JOEL GLAZER’S statement back in 2005 has come back to haunt him as supporters lose faith and trust in Manchester United’s ownership.United’s co-chairman released a statement on his takeover 16 years ago highlighting the importance of communicating with fans, praising the club’s history and heritage, and promising little change under his ownership.
      Joel Glazer has gone back on his word when he became co-owner of Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Joel hasn’t directly communicated with United supporters since his interview with MUTV.
      But the latest plans to form a breakaway with the rest of the dirty dozen is the straw that broke the camel’s back with United supporters.
      Reported by Manchester Evening News, he said in his 2005 interview: “It’s extremely important (communication with fans). Again I keep coming back to it, fans are the lifeblood of this club.
      “People want to know what’s happening, people want to know where things are heading but we will be communicating.
      “Again, I think it’s important that the chief executive is communicating on a regular basis and we can communicate certain things ourselves but not much is going to be changing at Old Trafford.
      “What attracted us and allured us to Old Trafford are all the great things, all the great history, and all the great heritage. People keep saying ‘what are you going to change?’
      “And the thing I keep saying is people aren’t going to notice a change.
      “We don’t want people to notice a change because in the end we’ll be doing a disservice to this great club.

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      Supporters have been protesting outside Old TraffordCredit: PA
      Fans have made their thoughts on the new Super League very clearCredit: Getty

      “We just want to help carry it on and grow what Manchester United has been, whilst recognise worldwide maybe there is some more things we can do overseas to grow Manchester United which again benefits the community and the football at large.”
      But it appears it is all just empty promises as United supporters join others in protesting outside Old Trafford against the Super League.
      When the Super League was announced, Glazer said: “By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid.”
      The plans have caused a furious backlash from fans, clubs, pundits and even governments across Europe.
      United chief Ed Woodward, one of the names spearheading the new league, also reportedly held an emergency meeting with ‘seriously unimpressed’ players.

      Players have started to voice their discontent over the plans including James Milner while Marcus Rashford posted an image of a quote from the legendary Sir Matt Busby that read: “Football is nothing without fans.”
      Uefa have already threatened to kick the rebel clubs out of the Champions League.
      And the government insisted ‘no action is off the table’ with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying they have his “unwavering support for the football authorities and confirmed they have the government’s full backing to take whatever action necessary to put a stop to these plans.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Wolves brilliantly declare themselves 2018-19 Premier League champions in cheeky dig at Big Six rebels

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      WOLVES have hilariously declared themselves Premier League champions for the 2018-19 season in a jovial jibe at the Big Six.It comes after it was confirmed on Sunday night that Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have all signed up to be a part of the controversial European Super League.
      Wolves were the highest finishers outside of the Big Six two years agoCredit: AFP or licensors

      Wolves finished seventh behind the ‘Big Six’ two years ago after a brilliant first season back in the Premier League.
      As a result, with all those who ended the season above them now threatening to join a breakaway tournament, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have jokingly announced themselves as top flight champions for the 2018-19 campaign in their Twitter bio.
      Screenshotting their own profile, the club added: “It’s probably too late for a parade.”
      Wolves finished the 2018-19 season a whopping 41 points behind title winners Man City, who clinched the trophy for a second successive year.
      And it was City’s boss Pep Guardiola who slammed the idea of the ESL on Tuesday despite his club having signed up to it.
      He said: “If you ask me about these teams that have been selected, I don’t know the reason why. Are they going to play this competition in the future?
      “Sport is not sport when the relation between the effort and success and the effort and reward does not exist. So it is not sport.
      “It is not sport if the success is already guaranteed. It is not sport and it doesn’t matter if you lose.
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      Raul Jimenez was Wolves’ top scorer in the 2018-19 season of the Premier League with 13 goalsCredit: PA:Press Association

      “That’s why I have said many times I want the best competition and the strongest competition possible. Especially the Premier League.
      “And it’s not fair when one team fight, fight, fight, arrive at the top and afterwards cannot qualify because the success is already guaranteed for a few clubs.
      “This statement is what I feel. I don’t know if it’s going to change and the people say ‘no, no, maybe four or five teams can go up and play in this competition’.
      “But what happens if the other 15 don’t have a good season and every time they will still be there. This is not sport.”
      The ESL proposal has received widespread criticism from fans, players, football’s governing bodies and the UK government.
      On Sunday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson labelled the idea ‘very damaging’ for the sport.
      Just 48 hours later, he then went on to label the Premier League’s Big Six a ‘cartel’.
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      Boris Johnson brands European Super League a CARTEL and says ‘it’s not right’ to rob British fans of footie

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      BORIS Johnson tonight railed against the European Super League as a “kind of cartel” and vowed not to shy away from taking legal action to stop it happening. The PM told a No 10 press conference the plan for a football breakaway “offends against the basic principles of competition” and slammed owners for trying to turn their clubs into “commodities”.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Boris Johnson branded plans for a European Super League ‘a kind of cartel’Credit: Reuters
      He said: “Our first step is clearly to back the football authorities in this country – the FA, the Premier League – in the steps they’re taking to counteract this initiative.
      “Be in no doubt that we don’t support it. It’s not in the interests of fans, it’s not in the interests of football.
      “How can it be right to have a situation in which you create a kind of cartel which stops clubs competing against each other, playing against each other, with all the hope and excitement that gives to the fans up and down the country?
      “It offends against the basic principles of competition and if necessary, in order to protect that principle of competition, we will seek legislative solution but we hope that they can find a way forward themselves.”
      The PM said football was “invented and codified” in Britain and is “one of the great glories of this country’s cultural heritage” that must be preserved.
      Asked for his message to the owners of the breakaway teams, he added: “These clubs originate from famous town and cities in our country.
      “I don’t think it right they should be somehow dislocated from their home towns, home cities, taken and turned into international brands and commodities, just circulate the planet propelled by the billions of banks without any reference to fans and those who have loved them all their lives.”
      Boris has vowed to stop the new European Super League from happeningCredit: Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street
      The PM held crisis talks with top football figures today to plot a responseCredit: Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street
      His remarks came after a Cabinet minister vowed Super League clubs will face “sanctions” from the Government if they don’t ditch plans to join the rogue competition.
      Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the PM is determined to stop the creation of the breakaway division and urged the six English teams involved to step back from the brink.
      He said ministers are looking at “a whole range of sanctions” they can trigger and insisted: “It’s not in the spirit of football, it’s not what fans want, it’s not what players want, it’s not what managers want.”
      Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur have all signed up to the rogue competition.
      Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid from Spain, along with AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus from Italy, make up the remainder of the Dirty Dozen.
      The proposed format is intended to replace the current Champions League, which clubs qualify for on merit based on their performance in their domestic division.
      Instead, in the Super League a cartel of clubs would be guaranteed a spot every year with no threat of relegation, and almost no chance for others to join.
      Other major European clubs including Bayern Munich, Paris St Germain, and Roma, have all refused to take part.
      Gavin Williamson said the Government is ready to slap sanctions on Super League clubsCredit: PA
      The PM hosted crisis talks with football’s governing bodies and fans’ groups today to plot a way to stop the new division in its tracks.
      At the meeting he reportedly said the Government “should drop a legislative bomb to stop it” from happening.
      In a statement No 10 said he had “reiterated his unwavering support for the football authorities and confirmed they have the government’s full backing to take whatever action necessary to put a stop to these plans”.
      It added: “The Prime Minister confirmed the government will not stand by while a small handful of owners create a closed shop.
      “He was clear that no action is off the table and the government is exploring every possibility, including legislative options, to ensure these proposals are stopped.”
      No 10 wants to force the six English clubs to back down and ditch the plans before it is forced to intervene.
      But if they don’t ministers are considering radical measures to clamp down on the European Super League and make it impossible to run.
      They could include bringing in new laws mandating German-style fan ownership of clubs and limiting business tycoons to minority shareholders.
      Officials are also looking at how they could use visa laws to ban those clubs involved from signing foreign players.
      And police support for crowd-control at matches could be withdrawn.
      Employment minister Mims Davies said: “I think it’s misjudged. I can see them climbing down. It feels like the right thing to do.
      “The banners I’ve seen from fans today say it all, so do continue this at your peril but the government’s against you and your fans are against.”
      How the European Super League would workTHE European Super League will be made up of fifteen ‘founder members’ – starting with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, United, City and Spurs from England, with Atletico and Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
      Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and PSG are likely to complete the list founders, who cannot be relegated.
      Five extra teams will be invited to compete each year with a provisional kick-off from the start of the 2022-23 season.
      Teams will be split into two groups of ten and play nine opponents home and away in a midweek league, with the top four from each group qualifying for end of season play-offs.
      United and Liverpool will bag up to £310m up front. The other four Prem teams would each get £200m.
      Total £4.6billion pot, initially backed by JP Morgan will mean a minimum £130m each year even if one of the ‘founders’ loses EVERY game.
      Overall winners could earn up to £212m extra if they win every game.

      Three of the English clubs involved in the breakaway are already said to be wavering after being stunned by the backlash from fans and politicians.
      Spurs chairman Daniel Levy asked the boss of Brighton to relay a message to a meeting of the remaining 14 Premier League clubs today that the plan was “not what I wanted, or expected”.
      But the rest of England’s top teams later issued a strong statement hinting at possible bans for the defectors if they don’t back down.
      And the new Super League is already facing the threat of legal action in both Britain and Europe that could kill it stone dead.
      The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority said: “We will be carefully considering any competition concerns relating to these proposals.”
      And on the continent Ireland and France called for a united EU response, including the threat of new laws, to ban the project.
      Mr Williamson said today: “This Super League must be stopped because it’s just simply not fair, it’s not right.
      “Football is rooted in the communities that clubs have grown up in and it’s there for the fans.
      “This seems to have been dreamed up by moneymen as against football fans and that’s why the PM is so opposed to it.”
      The education secretary said the Government will be “putting all our support behind the FA and UEFA” as they battle to stop the breakaway.
      He insisted: “That’s the preferred option and we’d hope these clubs step back from the proposals they’ve put forward.”

      But he added “if they’re not successful in doing that we won’t hesitate to take further steps to ensure this European Super League won’t go ahead”.
      Pressed further, he said: “We’d look at every single option. You cannot be clearer about the Government’s commitment to ensure this doesn’t proceed. We would be willing to intervene if a solution isn’t found
      “The Government reserves its position to take any action that’s required including the need to take legislation, the need to take sanctions, in order to ensure we protect football interests in this country.”
      Boris Johnson releases video urging people to continue following rules as country opens up More

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      European Super League LIVE: Explosive latest as Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, Man City confirm

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      ARSENAL, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have CONFIRMED their plans to join the controversial European Super League.The tournament would be held throughout the season and would make the clubs even richer than they already are. We’re bringing you ALL of the twists and turns from this explosive story here.
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below from this developing story…
      HOW THE PROPOSED ESL WILL WORK

      ICYMI
      Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has reportedly called an emergency meeting between all Premier League captains.
      The Mail reports the England midfielder has taken the action as the fall-out from the breakaway Super League continues.
      The 30-year-old will chair meeting with club reps from sides in and out of the breakaway.
      Henderson previously helped lead players in their response to the crisis caused by the pandemic.
      Credit: Reuters

      MORE ON LEVY
      Another club boss added: “Daniel can paint himself as a victim but nobody was buying that at all. It’s too late for that.”
      Richard Masters and the Prem leadership, as well as the clubs outside the Big Six, were left bolstered by a firm vow from PM Boris Johnson that he will bring in urgent legislation that would prevent the Six from joining the £4.6billion scheme.
      That meeting involved representatives of Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United supporters’ trusts and the Football Supporters Association, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, as well as Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.
      Johnson is understood to have made it abundantly clear to the meeting that he would simply not allow the breakaway to take place.
      SUPER LEAGUE EXCLUSIVE
      Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is “shaken” by the Super league backlash.
      In a stunning act of contrition he told Brighton chief executive Paul Barber to pass on details of a conversation they had before the 14 clubs left out of the breakaway met with League chief Richard Masters.
      In a message that left the clubs increasingly confident they have the rebels on the run and will be able to kill off the proposals within days, the Spurs chief conceded he may have misjudged the mood of the nation.
      Barber, who previously served on the board at White Hart Lane told the clubs Levy said this was “not what I wanted, or expected”
      The Brighton exec added: “Daniel says this all grew from a feeling that Uefa simply doesn’t listen to us as a League. He believes the big clubs deserve more respect and more money.”
      But while Levy’s message was viewed by the clubs as the first recognition of the scale of the mistake, it did not spare him and the rest of the Big Six from the wrath of the 14 left on the outside.
      One club source revealed: “Paul was told to pass on a simple message back – that Daniel and the rest of them were destroying all of us by this act.
      “We are all still seething at what has gone on. Every single one of us. There is no sympathy at all for Levy or anyone else involved. They’re the ones who put us in this position because of their greed.”
      RAN A MILE
      Claudio Ranieri – the man who pulled off the biggest shock in sporting history by taking Leicester to the Prem title – has slammed the Super League.
      The Italian said: “It’s very sad for me. Super League is so bad, I hope Uefa will stop them.
      “Leicester story was something special and we’d lose these stories.
      “It’s not just about football, I remember the feeling between Indian and English people celebrating Leicester together.”
      Credit: Getty
      PRIME TIME
      Amazon have confirmed they were not involved in Super League talks and believe the beauty of European football is the chance for any side to do well.

      STILL NO FOR BAYERN
      Bayern Munich have reiterated that they will NOT play in the Super League.
      Per Fabrizio Romano, CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “Bayern will NOT play in Super League, absolutely.”
      Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge still on the same position: “Bayern will NOT play in #SuperLeague, absolutely”. 🚨 #Bayern— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 20, 2021

      ‘VIGOROUSLY REJECT PLANS’
      The Premier League have released a statement announcing all 14 clubs ‘unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans’ for the European Super League.
      A crisis meeting was held this morning with all top-flight clubs except the ‘big six’ who want to form a breakaway league. And the Prem reassured everything in their power will be done to prevent the plans from going ahead.
      It adds how they will also hold shareholders to account for their role in the farce while hinting at bans.
      The statement read: “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.”
      GARY’S WORD
      Gary Lineker confirmed he will NOT work on the Super League.
      To be clear: if it actually happens, I will never work on this European Super League.— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) April 20, 2021

      MARC MY WORDS
      Marcus Rashford has tweeted a powerful image of the Old Trafford stands showing a banner with the Matt Busby quote: “Football is nothing without fans.”
      The England man shared the photo in the wake of the hugely controversial Super League breakaway with Manchester United one of the ‘founders’.

      JOR DROPPING
      Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has reportedly called an emergency meeting between all Premier League captains.
      The Mail reports the England midfielder has taken the action as the fall-out from the breakaway Super League continues.
      The 30-year-old will chair meeting with club reps from sides in and out of the breakaway.
      Henderson previously helped lead players in their response to the crisis caused by the pandemic.
      PSG PUBLICLY AGAINST SUPER LEAGUE
      French giants Paris Saint-Germain have publicly declared their opposition to the Super League.
      CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “Paris Saint-Germain holds the firm belief that football is a game for everyone. I have been consistent on this since the very beginning.
      “As a football club, we are a family and a community; whose fabric is our fans – I believe we shouldn’t forget this.
      “There is a clear need to advance the existing Uefa competition model, presented by Uefa yesterday and concluding 24 months’ of extensive and collaborative consultation across the whole European football landscape.
      “We believe that any proposal without the support of Uefa – an organisation that has been working to progress the interests of European football for nearly 70 years – does not resolve the issues currently facing the football community, but is instead driven by self-interest.
      “Paris Saint-Germain will continue to work with Uefa, the European Club Association and all stakeholders of the football family – based on the principles of good faith, dignity and respect for all.”
      PEP TALK
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola slammed the anti-competitive nature of the Super League that his side has signed up for.
      PEP 💬 It is not a sport if success is guaranteed or if it doesn’t matter when you lose. I have said many times I want a successful Premier League, not just one team at the top. I don’t know if the statement will change and four or five teams will be able to go up.— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2021

      SHEAR CHEEK!
      Alan Shearer wants the Prem to ban the Big Six immediately!
      Alan Shearer calls on Premier League to ban six breakaway sides
      NO SPAIN NO GAME
      Sergio Aguero is closer to putting pen-to-paper at Barcelona after receiving a draft contract, according to reports.
      The Argentine has been locked in talks with the Catalan side after announcing he is leaving Manchester City in the summer.
      Aguero, 32, is eager to team up with Argetine compatriot Lionel Messi.
      Chelsea and Manchester United were linked with City’s club-record striker but it appears they may have to look elsewhere.
      According to Catalan publication Beteve, Aguero’s agents have their hands on a copy of the draft contract.
      They add a deal is ‘imminent’ after his agents jetted to Barcelona to hold talks with club representatives.
      Credit: PA
      CHELSEA EXCLUSIVE
      Chelsea stars were left in a state of shock and confusion after they were told the club was part of the Dirty Dozen splitting football in two.
      Blues chairman Bruce Buck called a meeting of the players in an attempt to explain why they were signing up to the European Super League.
      But SunSport understands the news did not go down well with the squad. Individuals are concerned about the damage it threatens to do to the game.
      Those fears only grew when it became clear Uefa were threatening to throw them out of the Champions League.
      Chelsea face Real Madrid in the semi-finals, with the first leg in Spain next Tuesday.
      To make matters worse, players potentially face being banned from international football in the future.
      Stars were left ‘gutted’ by the announcement, which came as they were putting the finishing touches on their preparations for tonight’s clash with Brighton – before which a planned protest of Chelsea supporters is expected outside Stamford Bridge.
      UN-IQUE
      Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery has spoken out against the Super League because it would spell the end of fairy tale victories and giant killings like the one his grandad enjoyed over 100 years ago.
      Emery is now in charge at Villarreal and is set for a reunion against his old side in the Europa League semi-finals.
      He said: “My grandad won the Copa del Rey with Real Union in 1920.
      “I want to let these kind of feelings continue.”
      Credit: EPA
      FANS FIRST
      Boris Johnson today held a crisis summit with football bosses over the European Super League and backed Prem bosses to kick out the ‘Big Six’ if they want to.
      The PM vowed not to stand by “while a small handful of owners create a closed shop” and promised to back fans all the way.
      PM vowed to do all he could to stop it from going ahead in a meeting with top footie bosses.
      Downing Street said today the PM “expressed his solidarity with football fans and agreed they must always be at the heart of any decisions about the future of the game.”
      They added: “He reiterated his unwavering support for the football authorities and confirmed they have the government’s full backing to take whatever action necessary to put a stop to these plans.
      “All attendees agreed that action was necessary to protect the fairness and open competition we expect to see in football, and to uphold the fundamental principle that any club should have the chance to play and win against the biggest players in the game.
      “The Prime Minister confirmed the government will not stand by while a small handful of owners create a closed shop.
      “He was clear that no action is off the table and the government is exploring every possibility, including legislative options, to ensure these proposals are stopped.”
      TIME TO CHANGE YOUR MIND
      Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin today made a personal plea to the Prem Big Six to admit to their “mistake” and recant the decision to sign up to a breakaway Super League.
      In a remarkable direct statement to Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, United and City, Ceferin’s address to the Uefa Congress in Montreux urged the six to reflect on the damage they were on the verge of dealing to English and world football and to the fans who “bleed themselves dry” for their clubs.
      Ceferin, who branded the owners of the rebel 12 as turning their backs on the heritage and integrity of football, recognises Real Madrid and Juventus are now too far gone to come back into the fold.
      But while Liverpool and United were the two English ringleaders, the Slovenian clearly feels an emotional appeal could yet bring a U-turn.
      Ceferin said: “I would like to address the owners of some English clubs. 
      “Gentlemen, you have made a huge mistake. Some will say it is greed, others disdain, arrogance, flippancy or complete ignorance of England’s football culture. Actually, it doesn’t matter.
      “What matters is that there is still time to change your mind. Everyone makes mistakes in life. English fans deserve to have you correct your mistake. They deserve respect.”
      Credit: Reuters
      NOT SO BRIGHT
      Brighton have voiced their total opposition to the European Super League – claiming it would “destroy the dreams of clubs at every level of the domestic game”.
      Albion released a statement ahead of today’s Premier League meeting involving the 14 sides who have not signed up to be part of the controversial breakaway division.
      In it, the South-Coast outfit hit out at the “efforts to create a closed-shop for all but the largest clubs”, branding the actions of Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham as hugely disrespectful to all other clubs.
      The statement read: “Brighton & Hove Albion are totally opposed to plans for a breakaway European Super League as it would destroy the dreams of clubs at every level of the domestic game. 
      “These plans are the latest in an alarming and growing list of clandestine attempts from a small group of clubs whose actions would be wiping out close to 150 years of football’s tradition, competition, and sporting progress through merit.  
      “The ups and downs of football – promotion, relegation, winning titles and cups, challenging for, or missing out, on a European place – are all part and parcel of the drama, jeopardy, joy and heartbreak that makes our game the most watched and most loved in the world.
      “These key attributes create significant value from which we feed a financial support structure which helps to sustain football at every level in our country and well beyond. By contrast, a European Super League would concentrate value for the benefit of a small number of clubs.
      “The efforts to create a closed-shop for all but the largest clubs demonstrate a clear lack of respect for the contributions of all clubs within the domestic leagues in this country and across Europe.”
      GOOD BAY!
      Bayern Munich have come out against the Super League and also hinted they will drive down player salaries and agents fees.
      Club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “FC Bayern has not been involved in the plans for creating a Super League. We are convinced that the current structure in football guarantees a reliable foundation.
      “FC Bayern welcomes the reforms of the Champions League because we believe they are the right step to take for the development of European football.
      “The modified group stage will contribute to an increase in excitement and the emotional experience in the competition.
      “I do not believe the Super League will solve the financial problems of European clubs that have arisen as result of the coronavirus pandemic.
      “Rather, all clubs in Europe should work in solidarity to ensure that the cost structure, especially players’ salaries and agents’ fees, are brought in line with revenues, to make all of European football more rational.”

      BECK OFF BILLIONAIRES
      David Beckham has lashed out at European Super League plans and blasted: “Football is in danger.”
      Former Manchester United star Becks took to Instagram to demand the game we love is protected.
      Inter Miami owner David Beckham spoke out on the Super League
      The 45-year-old wrote on his Instagram: “I’m someone who loves football.
      “It has been my life for as long as I can remember. I loved it from when I was a young child as a fan, and I’m still a fan now.
      “As a player and now as an owner I know that our sport is nothing without the fans. We need football to be for everyone. We need football to be fair and we need competitions based on merit.
      “Unless we protect these values the game we love is in danger…”
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