EPL reveals plan to avoid ESL repeat as police probe United protest

English Premier League said they were drawing up a new owners’ charter designed to avoid future attempts to join a breakaway European Super League (ESL) as police launched an investigation into the protest that caused the postponement of Manchester United’s match against Liverpool.

Fans invaded Old Trafford and ran onto the pitch on Sunday as part of a demonstration against United’s owners, the United States-based Glazer family.

Greater Manchester Police said six officers were injured after the protests turned “hostile” when demonstrators threw flares, bottles and barriers at police.

The force said one officer sustained a fractured eye socket, another suffered a facial wound and a third was “dragged and kicked”.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incidents. Anger towards the Glazers has been reignited by United’s part in the failed ESL project, which collapsed within 48 hours last month after a backlash from fans, players, governments and governing bodies.

The ESL sought to guarantee top level European football for 15 founder members every season without the need to qualify on the pitch.

There have been calls for all six English clubs involved in the formation of the ESL – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham – to face points penalties.

The Premier League said on Monday they were “determined” to “hold those clubs accountable for their decisions and actions”.

They also announced plans for a new charter, with all club owners signing up to a rule “committing them to the core principles” of the league, with breaches punished by “significant” sanctions.

“The events of the last two weeks have challenged the foundations and resolve of English football,” the Premier League added.

“These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in the future.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to have disruptive behaviour, demonstrations of that kind.

“But on the other hand, I do understand people’s strength of feeling. And I think that it’s a good thing that we have been able to do things that make it pretty clear that the European Super League is not going to be appreciated by the people of this country, or by this government.”

“These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in the future.” english Premier League