Al’s Shear delight at ESL demise
NEWCASTLE United legend Alan Shearer has applauded supporters across the globe for their role in bringing down the proposed Super League.
England’s so-called ‘big six’ outlined their intentions to withdraw from the controversial continental competition on Tuesday night following an unprecedented outcry.
The proposals to create a lucrative closed shop for elite clubs was roundly condemned by fans, managers, players and pundits alike.
Owners of the ‘big six’ came under mounting pressure to abandon the Super League, which risked England’s leading clubs being banished from the Premier League.
Following a day of intense speculation, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham announced their intentions as founding members on Sunday night.
Now, all six clubs have backtracked from the proposals as fans demonstrated the strength of their opposition online and in protests outside Anfield and Stamford Bridge.
Shearer had made his opposition to the proposals clear, claiming the breakaway clubs had ‘thrown a grenade’ at the rest of the Premier League.
He said: “It is not right what they were trying to do.
“It is not competitive. It is a closed shop - you cannot have a competition where no one else is allowed in.”
Chelsea and Manchester City were the first English clubs to signal their intent to withdraw and it was at this point the Newcastle legend sent his congratulatory message to supporters.
Shearer posted on Twitter ‘well done the fans around the world’, complete with three handclap emojis. It was a view shared by supporters who were quick to respond to Shearer’s tweet.
One fan wrote: “They tried to control football but they created the opposite!
“What an incredible showing from fans alike across the world.”
Another supporter replied: “Well done to you legends of the game and current players who have been our voice.”