Protests over rich clubs’ plan
DISGUSTED footie fans burnt shirts and protested over the European Super League yesterday.
Fans of Leeds United and Liverpool joined in outrage against the proposed breakaway league at Elland Road last night, torching football shirts to show their anger.
They backed Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin, who said: “We’re all united against this nonsense of a project… fuelled by greed above all else.”
He added players from all the clubs taking part will be banned from representing their countries at the World Cup and European Championships “as soon as possible”.
The move could see supporters’ favourites such as Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo missing out on tournaments. The rebels could also be hit with a tax to strip them of extra profits they make.
Prince William, who serves as president of the Football Association, tweeted: “I share the concerns of fans about the proposed Super League and the damage it risks causing to the game we love.’’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would work with football’s governing bodies “to make sure that this doesn’t go ahead in the way that it’s currently being proposed”.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he was “appalled” that Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur were part of a European cartel planning to set up their own league so they can play lucrative big matches beamed to paying audiences.
Fifteen of the continent’s biggest clubs – the Super League’s founders – will be exempt from relegation so they never miss out on the profits.
Five more will be invited to make up the numbers each season.
All 20 will pocket £300million for taking part in the tournament that would replace the Uefa Champions League – with another cash bonanza from worldwide TV rights.
The six English teams want to remain in the Premier League and play in the two competitions side-by-side.
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