Henry leads a sorry tale of ‘Big Six’ contrition
OWNERS PLEA TO FANS FOR FORGIVENESS AFTER ERROR
LIVERPOOL owner John W Henry led a chorus of apologies as the shame-faced Big Six attempted to piece together shattered relations with fans.
Henry yesterday offered a personal video message in which he held his hands up to a “mistake” over the European Super League, taking sole responsibility for what was an error of judgement.
Other members of the breakaway were less effusive in their contrition.
While Arsenal had offered an open letter to supporters in which they apologised for causing “distress”, Spurs and Manchester United initially merely noted the reaction from fans – before Joel Glazer finally issued an apology yesterday.
Manchester City and Chelsea offered nothing more than a businesslike statement informing they would not now be proceeding.
With the exception of prime drivers United, who insisted they had “listened carefully to their fans”, the relative strengths of the mea culpa were delivered by the chief architects behind the project.
And Fenway Sports Group’s Henry just about held his hands up highest.
“I want to apologise to all the fans and supporters of Liverpool Football Club for all the disruption I’ve caused in the past 48 hours,” he said.
“It goes without saying, but should be said, that the project put forward was never going to stand without the support of the fans.
“Over these 48 hours you were very clear that it would not stand.We heard you. I heard you.
“I hope that you’ll understand that even when we make mistakes we are trying to work in your club’s best interests. In this endeavour I’ve let you down and I’m sorry and I alone am responsible for the unnecessary negativity brought forward over the past couple of days.”
Arsenal’s board wrote to fans admitting the backlash to their doomed plan had given them time for “further reflection and deep thought”.
“The last few days have shown us yet again the depth of feeling our supporters around the world have for this great club and the game we love,” it read.
“It was never our intention to cause such distress – however, when the invitation to join the Super League came, while knowing there were no guarantees, we did not want to be left behind to ensure we protected Arsenal and its future.
“As a result of listening to you and the wider football community, we are withdrawing. We made a mistake and we apologise for it.”
Spurs offered the same defence. Chairman Daniel Levy said: “We regret the anxiety and upset caused [but] we felt it was important that our club participated in the development of a possible new structure.
“We should like to thank all those supporters who presented their considered opinions.”
It will clearly be a longer road back to rebuild the trust lost but the breakaway six will hope their statements were a start.