Scudamore will get £5M more

FROM BACK PAGE statement, saying: “Premier League clubs have always told fan groups that budgets are planned in advance and there’s not a surplus of cash lying around from their extremely lucrative TV deal.

“In the meantime, loyal football supporters continue to be inconvenienced by fixture changes to fit TV schedules, often losing out on travel costs or struggling to get to and from games in the first place.

“Now it appears clubs can stick their hands down the back of the sofa and find £250,000 at a moment’s notice.”

Liverpool supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly added: “Richard Scudamore has been well paid during the explosion of TV deals. He didn’t and does not need such an incredible amount as an additional reward.”

Premier League bosses have been anxious to stress the £5m will be paid over three years, during which time he will remain as a consultant and would not be able to negotiate for any other league or TV company.

It is understood that Scudamore was asked to leave the room when the decision was being made. Despite reports that Watford, Fulham and Southampton had voiced concerns, the payment was pushed through.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said: “We are all very supportive.

“Richard has unique knowledge and experience which is going to be of ongoing benefit to the Premier League. It’s absolutely a fair payment and all the clubs were behind it.”

West Ham co-chairman David Gold added: “He deserves everything he gets. This is all very appropriate and we are all very pleased.”