BACKLASH GROWS AGAINST ‘BIG SIX’
EVERTON LEAD WAR OF WORDS, WHILE GOVERNMENT COULD IMPOSE SANCTIONS
THE backlash against the European Super League intensified today, as English football united in its opposition against the plans that have sparked outrage throughout the game.
Ahead of a meeting this morning of the 14 Premier League clubs not involved in the breakaway, Everton accused the so-called ‘big six’ of “preposterous arrogance” and warned the owners of those clubs are “betraying” supporters in this country.
Everton became the first Premier League club to go on record with their opposition to the Super League and said the widespread backlash against the plans are “understandable and deserved”. Former England captain Alan Shearer then called on the Premier League to ban Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City with immediate effect.
As football continued its war on the Super League on another remarkable day that reflected the anger against the rebel plans:
⬤ Education secretary Gavin Williamson said the Government could impose sanctions or introduce legislation in order to prevent the Super League. ⬤ Prime Minister Boris Johnson held talks with officials from the Premier League, the FA and supporters to discuss the proposals.
⬤ Jurgen Klopp was praised after he last night publicly criticised plans being pursued by his own employers at Liverpool and said he remains opposed to any Super League. ⬤ Chelsea and Manchester City were facing the threat of being expelled from the Champions League, while Arsenal and Manchester United could be kicked out of the Europa League.
⬤ Ahead of their virtual meeting this morning, opinion was split among the other 14 Premier League clubs over whether the Super League plans can be stopped.
⬤ Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish said the plans are a “busted flush” in their current form, but admitted change is “inevitable” and said the other 14 Premier League clubs have to listen to ‘big six’ and take their views on board. ⬤ One Premier League director told Standard Sport that they are “95 per cent” sure the breakaway competition will begin in 2022 and accused League chief executive Richard Masters of wasting time by doing “everything to appease the big six”. ⬤ With players facing the threat of being banned from international competition, James Milner and Ander Herrera spoke out against the plans, with Liverpool vice-captain Milner saying: “I don’t like it and I don’t want it to happen.”
Everton launched a blistering attack on the six clubs this morning.
In an angry statement, they said: “Everton is saddened and disappointed to see proposals of a breakaway league pushed forward by six clubs.
“Six clubs acting entirely in their own interests. Six clubs tarnishing the reputation of our league and the game. Six clubs choosing to disrespect every other club with whom they sit around the Premier League table.
“Six clubs taking for granted and even betraying the majority of football supporters across our country and beyond.
“The backlash is understandable and deserved and has to be listened to. This preposterous arrogance is not wanted anywhere in football outside of the clubs that have drafted this plan.”
Shearer called on the Premier League to ban the ‘big six’ and said the Super League plans “were not right”.
He told BBC Breakfast:
“The Super League have chucked a grenade at the
Premier League and to everyone else. Well, chuck one back. Ban them. Ban them immediately if you can.
I am sure they will look at every possible legal angle and what pressure they are under in doing that but if you can, do it. Absolutely.”
The Government has announced it is bringing forward a wider fan-led review of the game to be led by Tracey Crouch, a former sports minister.
Crouch said this morning: “It’s been a long time coming. It so happens that the European Super League has given it the kick really, the trigger. Nothing is off the table for discussion. People realise that football is a business but it needs a balance and the balance for football and fans has shifted away.
“I’m sad about it, genuinely. Depressing is a really good word. In their press release being called legacy fans. That makes it hard when you’ve spent years going to football and spending hardearned money to support your club to be dismissed in that way.”