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      in Soccer

      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.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arteta claims Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has apologised to him and players over European Super League farce More

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      in Boxing

      Daniel Dubois ‘just like a young Frank Bruno’ says legendary trainer Jimmy Tibbs ahead of comeback

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      JIMMY TIBBS, the grandfather of British boxing trainers, is having a dose of deja vu as he prepares Daniel Dubois for his comeback fight on June 5.Tibbs, 74 years young, trained Frank Bruno for the first six years of his career and he’s finding it uncanny there are so many similarities between Dubiois and the former world heavyweight champ.
      Dubois hopes to return to winning ways in June against Bogdan DinuCredit: Reuters
      Bruno is one of Britain’s all-time great heavyweightsCredit: PA
      When Dangerous Dan unfairly ditched his previous trainer Martin Bowers after losing his unbeaten record against Joe Joyce six months ago, he decided he would be better off teaming-up with Mark Tibbs.
      As Mark is in Las Vegas training Billy Joe Saunders for his world super-middleweight unification clash with Canelo Alvarez, in Texas on May 8, Dubois has had the good fortune to have Tibbs Snr looking after him.
      Jimmy has a CV second to none.
      Apart from Bruno, among those who have benefitted from his experience and expertise are Nigel Benn, Lloyd Honeyghan, Charlie Magri, Michael Watson, Barry McGuigan and Saunders.
      Jimmy told me: “From the moment Dan started working with me, it was as if my life had been transported 40 years back in time.
      “It was like the young Bruno had walked back into the gym again. And I suddenly realised he and Dan are so much alike.”
      Dubois, 23, returns to action against Romanian Bogdan Dinu for the vacant WBA interim title.
      He will also be able to prove to everyone he has fully recovered psychologically from the severe fractured eye-socket injury he received losing to Joyce.
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      Dubois was accused of quitting against Joyce back in NovemberCredit: Getty
      And that he still has the desire and the fighting heart to go with it following the criticism he was subjected to from fellow pros for taking the knee and allowing himself to be counted out.
      Dinu is not going to be a walk in the park for Dubois.
      He may not be among the heavyweight elite but he has lost just two of his 22 fights — stopped by Jarrell Miller and Kubrat Pulev, two top-ten contenders.
      And 16 of his victories have been knockouts.
      Jake Paul entered elite company
      Jimmy added: “Coming back off a defeat is difficult — more so for someone like Dan, who will be under scrutiny. We should find out what he’s made of against Dinu.”
      Promoter Frank Warren certainly hasn’t lost faith in his prodigy.
      He said: “His enthusiasm to reach the top hasn’t diminished.
      “He will only learn and benefit from the experience of taking a first loss and rebuilding from it.”
      Losing an unbeaten record can sometimes be a blessing in disguise.
      It can lift the burden of expectation from a fighter’s shoulders, which in turn releases anxiety.
      Dubois vs Joyce – Round by round More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd chief Ed Woodward quit after being kept in dark about club’s European Super League plans

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      ED WOODWARD quit as Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman on MONDAY because he was kept in the dark over the final plans for the new controversial Super League.The Red Devils announced on Tuesday that Woodward will step down from his role at Old Trafford at the end of the year.
      Ed Woodward quit his Man Utd role after being kept in the dark over the European Super LeagueCredit: EPA
      But SunSport understands Woodward resigned because he could not support the Glazers’ plans to become one of the 12 founding clubs of the breakaway league.
      Confirmation of Woodward’s departure came before United reversed their decision on the Super League late on Tuesday night following a fierce backlash from fans, leagues and governing bodies.
      No mention of the new league – announced late on Sunday night – was made by United when the club confirmed Woodward’s exit.
      Their statement said: “Manchester United has today announced that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will step down from his role at the end of 2021.
      “Woodward joined United in 2005 and became executive vice-chairman in 2012.”
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      But Woodward had made his mind up on Monday morning that he could not be associated with the Super League and took swift action.
      The Prem’s ‘Big Six’ were set to join the new league plot before it all unravelled in the space of 48 hours.
      Woodward joined United following the Glazers’ takeover in 2005 and replaced chief executive David Gill in 2013.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      in Soccer

      British Super League planned secretly with Rangers and Celtic joining Premier League giants Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal

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      CELTIC and Rangers are wanted to join an all-BRITISH League as part of the fall-out from the failed Euro Super League breakaway plot.While the Big Six led the humiliating retreat from the Super League debacle, they are still convinced that reform of the Prem is essential.
      Rangers fans could soon be cheering on their side in a new British Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
      Celtic are also wanted to join the revamp as part of the fall-out of the failed Euro breakawayCredit: Getty
      The potential British Premier League is expected to get the green light from Fifa and Uefa
      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.
      One club source said: “Whether or not the Super League was going to happen, we all feel that the Premier League has to be changed and improved.

      “It is time we opened it up to Rangers and Celtic. That would make sense for everyone.”
      Reform of the Prem has been a huge discussion point since October’s publication of the Project Big Picture plans drafted by Liverpool and Manchester United.
      Prem chief executive Richard Masters was forced to agree to a “strategic review” of the competition’s future, conceding “the status quo is not an option”, which was conducted by US-owned Boston Consulting and is due to report back in June.
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      What the British Super League will mean for football

      But while the Big Six were battered by the ESL backlash, they believe the wind is in their sails over the need for change.
      In addition to the Rangers and Celtic plan, one other idea is an end of season top four play-off, similar to that in rugby union and rugby league.
      But they are also still pushing, firmly, for a reduction to the 18 team league that was envisaged at the outset of the Prem when it was formed three decades ago.
      Another club chief added: “We have never wavered from the belief that 18 clubs is the only sensible way forward.
      “It is also what Uefa, Fifa and the European Club Association have long called for.”
      That may be a proposal too far for the 14 members of the ‘left behind club’ who ganged up to help win the Super League battle with the Big Six.

      But unlike the doomed Super League, there would be global backing for a British League.
      Fifa President Gianni Infantino gave his blessing for cross-border leagues when asked about proposals for mergers between Holland and Belgium and Mexico and the MLS.
      Infantino said: “If we want teams to play at the highest level around the world we need to have new ideas and we need to see that.
      “I am confident the best decisions will be made in that regard but any mergers must be done with respect to the rules.”
      And while PM Boris Johnson launched into the Super League debate by insisting he would throw every possible obstacle in the way of the changes, the prospect of including Rangers and Celtic in a cross-border UK league would be a potential factor in the fight against the proposed second Scottish independence referendum.
      Ibrox and Parkhead supporters, excited at the prospect of locking horns with England’s big guns, might be tempted to strengthen resistance against the SNP-led breakaway plans.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      All SIX Premier league ‘giants’ pull out of European Super League as Liverpool, Man Utd and Spurs finally quit More

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      in Soccer

      Peter Crouch would lie about ‘important’ footie work to skip baby duties with wife Abbey Clancy and go boozing

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      PETER Crouch confessed to pulling the wool over wife Abbey Clancy’s eyes to escape baby duties and family time to go boozing – by blaming “important” football work.The former Spurs star said he had even got club secretaries to send fake emails making attendance for evening events compulsory when he was just going out on the town with team mates.
      Peter Crouch would lie about ‘important’ footie work to wife Abbey ClancyCredit: Getty
      And he admitted that now that he is a pundit and podcaster he pretends he has to miss out on time with model Abbey for “vital” work-related watching of football and having fun drinking with pod colleagues Tom Fordyce and Chris Stark.
      Talking about social bashes during his career at clubs including Liverpool, he said: “There’s been a couple of occasions where there’s a bit of a team bonding session or something like that and Ab will say ‘you don’t have to go that, do you?’ And I would be like ‘I do’.
      “There has been one or two occasions where I’ve gone to the secretary and gone ‘can you just fire an email just saying that it’s compulsory and it’s important for the team’. And we would just go and have a night out.”
      Peter, 40, said when his first child Sophia, now ten, was a baby he would avoid dealing with her, telling Abbey he had a game the next day.
      He said: “There was a few cards that I used to play. Like on a Friday, it’s like the magical time to get out of anything because Saturday’s the most important thing.
      Crouch admitted he would fib to Abbey to get out of baby dutiesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The former England star got club secretaries to send fake emails making attendance for evening events compulsoryCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “You train all week to play on a Saturday.
      “Certainly when you’re at home and I remember when my first baby was born, Friday night if she’s crying, I’m like ‘that’s not for me, I’ve got a game tomorrow’.”
      Asked by pal Stark, if when he fancies just watching football, he tries the excuse that he needs to do it just to keep abreast for work, Crouchie admitted: “That card has been played on many an occasion.”
      And he said he even lies that it’s a bit of a chore having to record the podcast.
      Crouch agreed with Stark that he sometimes fibs that he’s not in the mood for it and it’s a “massive pain”.
      He confessed: “Coming in here talking to you boys, let’s be honest, I’m chatting to you about football and telling her it’s work – it’s really not.
      Crouch admitted he pretends he has to miss out on time with model Abbey for ‘vital’ work-related watching of footballCredit: Getty

      “She’s feeling sorry for me, I’ve got it to the stage where I’ve gone ‘got to go down there and do the podcast’, and I’m carrying eight beers in there.”
      Meanwhile Crouch said a top football club put mirrors on the back of the away team’s toilet cubicle doors to try and ensure opponents’ performances went down the pan.
      He wasn’t flushed with pride when he had to watch himself using the facilities before a game.
      The former football star is now a pundit and podcasterCredit: Getty
      Peter Crouch has BT Sport pundits in stitches as he forgets his own Champions League heroics More

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      in Soccer

      British Super League being secretly planned with Celtic and Rangers joining Prem in new US-style play-off system

      by

      CELTIC and Rangers are wanted to join a BRITISH League as part of the fall-out from the failed Euro breakaway plot.While the Big Six led the humiliating retreat from the Super League debacle, they remain convinced that reform of the Prem is essential.
      Rangers fans could soon be cheering on their side in a new British Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
      Celtic are also wanted to join the revamp as part of the fall-out of the failed Euro breakawayCredit: Getty
      The potential British Premier League is expected to get the green light from Fifa and Uefa
      Top of the list of plans being actively discussed is an offer to the two Glasgow giants to come 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.
      One club source said: “Whether or not the Super League was going to happen, we all feel that the Premier League has to be changed and improved.
      “It is time we opened it up to Rangers and Celtic. That would make sense for everyone.”
      Reform of the Prem has been a huge discussion point since October’s publication of the Project Big Picture plans drafted by Liverpool and Manchester United.
      Prem chief executive Richard Masters was forced to agree to a “strategic review” of the competition’s future, conceding “the status quo is not an option”, which was conducted by US-owned Boston Consulting and is due to report back in June.
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      What the British Super League will mean for football

      But while the Big Six were battered by the ESL backlash, they believe the wind is in their sales over the need for change.
      In addition to the Rangers and Celtic plan, one other idea is an end of season top four play-off, similar to that in rugby union and rugby league.
      But they are also still pushing, firmly, for a reduction to the 18 team league that was envisaged at the outset of the Prem when it was formed three decades ago.
      Another club chief added: “We have never wavered from the belief that 18 clubs is the only sensible way forward.
      “It is also what Uefa, Fifa and the European Club Association have long called for.”
      That may be a proposal too far for the 14 members of the ‘left behind club’ who ganged up to help win the Super League battle with the Big Six.

      But unlike the doomed Super League, there would be global backing for a British League.
      Fifa President Gianni Infantino gave his blessing for cross-border leagues when asked about proposals for mergers between Holland and Belgium and Mexico and the MLS.
      Infantino said: “If we want teams to play at the highest level around the world we need to have new ideas and we need to see that.
      “I am confident the best decisions will be made in that regard but any mergers must be done with respect to the rules.”
      And while PM Boris Johnson launched into the Super League debate by insisting he would throw every possible obstacle in the way of the changes, the prospect of including Rangers and Celtic in a cross-border UK league would be a potential factor in the fight against the proposed second Scottish independence referendum.
      Ibrox and Parkhead supporters, excited at the prospect of locking horns with England’s big guns, might be tempted to strengthen resistance against the SNP-led breakaway plans.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      All SIX Premier league ‘giants’ pull out of European Super League as Liverpool, Man Utd and Spurs finally quit More

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      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford to teach kids how to cook cheap dinners as part of food poverty campaign

      by

      FOOTBALLER Marcus Rashford will swap pitches for kitchens to teach kids how to cook cheap dinners as part of his heroic food poverty campaign.The Man Utd ace will be joined by Michelin-starred TV chef Tom Kerridge in a new series of Instagram videos called Full Time, launching today.
      Marcus hopes his cooking lessons will help ‘stop at least one child going to bed with an empty tummy’Credit: PA
      The pair will show how to knock up 52 filling dinners with ingredients costing pennies and equipment as limited as just a kettle.
      Marcus, 23, said he was forced to learn the very basics while filming – starting with how to peel a carrot.
      He said: “Even though I’m not the best cook, I’ve enjoyed it massively. I like getting in the kitchen and doing my best – and it turns out to be quite fun.
      “I enjoy putting myself in situations where I know I’m going to have to concentrate and learn and take steps forward.
      “Sometimes young people are afraid of mistakes. But when I was younger my brother always told me, if you don’t make mistakes you will never be the player that you can become.
      “I’m using that advice in this environment and it’s working. It will be a lot of fun if kids engage with it.”
      Marcus was hailed last summer – and awarded an MBE – for twice forcing the Government into U-turns over providing free school meals in the summer holidays.
      During the pandemic, 2.3 million children in Britain were living in some form of food insecurity.
      Tom Kerridge, 47, said Marcus has ‘thrown himself’ into the challenge of learning to cookCredit: PA
      Now Marcus hopes his cooking lessons will help “stop at least one child going to bed with an empty tummy”.
      Tom Kerridge, 47, said Marcus has “thrown himself” into the challenge of learning to cook.
      He said: “We’ve all seen how amazing he has been over the last year, touching the nation’s hearts and highlighting the issues that so many families and children face.
      “We’ve tried to create recipes that are very, very simple in terms of kitchen equipment, process and timing. The people we are targeting may only have one pan, or just a microwave or a kettle.
      “There’s nothing too out-there – it’s flavours people know and love. They’re more likely to have a go at cooking if they enjoy the food. We don’t want people to waste money on something they’re not going to like.
      “We want to engage people and make them feel comfortable and confident in the kitchen, to de-mystify cooking and remove the fear factor.
      “This is real cooking in real time with real ingredients. It’s been super good fun putting it together and I’m loving every minute of it.”
      He added: “This is really close to my heart because Marcus’s story is not too dissimilar to mine. I grew up in a single-parent family and was cooking meals for myself at home while my mum worked two jobs.”
      The pair will show how to knock up 52 filling dinners with ingredients costing pennies and equipment as limited as just a kettleCredit: PA

      Episodes of Full Time will be uploaded to Instagram and Facebook every week for 52 weeks.
      The menu of dishes will include fried rice, fish pie, Mexican style chicken, chicken satay stir fry, tortilla pizza, broccoli and cauliflower cheese, shakshuka and creamy chicken pie.
      From this month, the government’s weekly Healthy Start vouchers will equate to £4.25 per child to buy food.
      Man Utd star Marcus Rashford stars in Lock In Nike advert More

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      in Soccer

      Angry fans refuse to accept owners’ European Super League apologies and say ‘crocodile tears will not wash’

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      FURIOUS fans have refused to accept grovelling European Super League apologies from the billionaire American owners of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.Old Trafford bigwig Joel Glazer and Liverpool’s John W Henry yesterday said sorry for trying to force through the despised £4.6billion breakaway closed-shop competition.
      Football fans have refused to accept grovelling European Super League apologiesCredit: PA
      Old Trafford bigwig Joel Glazer and Liverpool’s John W Henry yesterday said sorryCredit: Getty
      Liverpool fans call on owners FSG to leave the clubCredit: Splash
      Their statements followed an apology from another of the Prem’s so-called ‘snakes’ Arsenal, although owner Stan Kroenke did not put his name to it.
      But the words only sparked an angry backlash from their club’s supporters, with calls for them all to quit.
      Henry, head of Anfield’s owners FSG, said sorry to Kop boss Jurgen Klopp, the players, CEO Billy Hogan and everyone at the current top-flight champions during a 146-second video.
      But powerful supporters group Spirit of Shankly blasted: “These crocodile tears will not wash.
      “We have always asked for honesty, integrity and transparency from club owners FSG, but the arrogance and deception they have shown behind this money-grab is frightening, but not surprising.
      “We have noted John W Henry’s apology, but this PR exercise is too little, too late.
      “Our owners have thrown everyone under the bus, supporters, manager, players and staff, and humiliated themselves through sheer greed and arrogance.
      “This debacle must be a catalyst for real change, not an exercise in damage limitation.

      MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

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      “We need a fundamental change in football governance, one that is fair for the whole football pyramid, not just the rapacious elite.”
      Henry took personal responsibility for banding together with the rest of the Big Six rebels, who pulled out of the project following a huge backlash from fans, the government, the Premier League and Uefa.
      Henry, 71, declared: “Over these 48 hours you were very clear that it would not stand. We heard you. I heard you.
      “I want to apologise to Jurgen, Billy, the players and everyone who works so hard at Liverpool to make our fans proud.
      “They have absolutely no responsibility for this disruption. They were the most disrupted and unfairly so.
      “This is what hurts most. They love your club and work to make you proud every day.

      “I know the entire LFC team has the expertise, leadership and passion necessary to rebuild trust and help us move forward.
      “I hope you’ll understand that even when we make mistakes, we’re trying to work in your club’s best interests.
      “In this endeavour I’ve let you down.”
      Yet the Spirit of Shankly fans insist the past three days had been “sickening.”
      They added: “Actions speak louder than hollow words.
      “Liverpool Football Club is not an American franchise but a community steeped in history and tradition.
      “We will consult with our members to gauge their opinion on our next step.”
      Liverpool owner John Henry apologises to fans in a video
      That step could even be a boycott of Anfield when the gates are opened again, especially following last year’s embarrassing U-turn on plans to furlough 200 staff amidst the Covid crisis.
      Glazer sent an open letter to United fans, admitting it will “take time for the scars to heal.”
      He said: “You made very clear your opposition to the European Super League and we have listened.
      “We got it wrong and we want to show we can put things right.
      “Although the wounds are raw, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.
      “In seeking to create a more stable foundation for the game, we failed to show enough respect for its deep-rooted traditions –promotion, relegation, the pyramid – and for that we are sorry.
      “We apologise unreservedly for the unrest caused during these past few days.”
      Protestors call for the ‘Big Six’ to face punishmentCredit: AFP
      However, Manchester United Supporters’ Trust chief Duncan Drasdo said: “It doesn’t mean much without further commitment for a change of ownership.”
      And a MUST spokesperson added: “We all know until they felt forced to withdraw they were determined to proceed with their Super League project – regardless of opposition.
      “Ultimately Joel’s silence since 2005 says more than this message.
      “We cannot just carry on as if nothing has happened. This is a watershed moment and we need to see genuine change as a result.
      “The message we want to hear from the owners is that they are putting in place the Fan Share Scheme which will begin the transfer of ownership to the real supporters of our club – the people who have it’s best interests at heart.”
      Some 200 miles away in London, Arsenal fans accused Kroenke of shaming the club – and blasted him for not even having the courage to put his own name to the club’s ESL apology.
      Protestors before Chelsea’s match with BrightonCredit: Alamy
      Furious Gunners fans are planning a “Kroenke Out” protest before tomorrow’s home Prem game against Everton.
      And Tim Payton of the Arsenal Supporters Trust, fumed: “It’s certainly not all right. The apology is signed by the board – it should have Stan Kroenke’s name on it, he should apologise.
      “He is the architect of this, he’s the overseas franchise investor who embarrassed and shamed our club and English football.”
      Kroenke has endured a fractious relationship with Arsenal supporters since his first involvement in 2007 and the ill-feeling only intensified when he became the sole owner of the club in August 2018.
      Fellow Trust board member Akhil Vyas added: “He’s been such an absent owner that he will probably just hide like an absolute coward, hoping it just blows over.
      “Hate is a strong word, but we really dislike our owners.
      “It’s an absolute lack of respect for fans – Kroenke is not interested and that is why he is the wrong owner.”
      Chelsea legend Petr Cech addresses the angry mobCredit: Rex
      Fans celebrate as Chelsea cut ties with the ESLCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Manchester City and Chelsea were the first of the Big Six to withdraw from the ESL on Tuesday, later followed by Arsenal, Tottenham and project ringleaders United and Liverpool.
      Etihad chief executive Ferran Soriano yesterday issued an apology to every City fan for the “disappointment, frustration and anguish” caused.
      He said: “The board deeply regrets taking a decision that lost sight of the historic values of the club.
      “We made a mistake and we sincerely apologise to our fans for the disappointment, frustration and anguish caused by the last 72 hours.”
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