‘Big Six’ are left reeling by criticism after U-turn

English football’s “Big Six” clubs could still face Premier League sanctions, despite backing out of the breakaway Super League.

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber called for “appropriate action” to be taken against the clubs involved yesterday morning, even though by then each had indicated their intention to withdraw.

It’s understood that the league’s position has not altered since it issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon, when all six were still signatories to the Super League. At the time, it said: “The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those (clubs) involved to account under its rules.”

Section L9 of the league’s handbook states member clubs shall not enter or play in extra competitions without the prior written approval of the league’s board. Tuesday’s statement from the league followed an emergency meeting of its other 14 clubs in response to the crisis.

By yesterday morning, the six had pulled out following a huge backlash from fans, governing bodies and other clubs, as well as their own players and managers.

Their withdrawals were marked in some cases by apologies – and in the case of Manchester United their executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward announced he would leave the club by the end of the year.

On Sunday night the six Premier League clubs plus three each from Italy and

Spain announced they had signed up to be “founder members” of the competition, which they along with three additional teams would be involved in without the threat of relegation.

By Wednesday afternoon, only Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona remained. Fellow Laliga side Atletico Madrid were the first of the sides outside England to pull out, followed by Inter Milan and then AC Milan.

Juventus’s statement stopped short of withdrawal. Instead they observed that the intended withdrawals of others meant the project had “limited possibilities”. The English clubs’ actions have in some cases fuelled fresh sentiment against their owners and directors.

Tottenham chairman

Daniel Levy said the club “regret the anxiety and upset caused”, while Arsenal apologised for their “mistake” in signing up for the venture.

Liverpool principal owner John W Henry took full responsibility for the “disruption” caused by the project in a video message to supporters.

The Football Supporters’ Association warned fans “could not take their foot off the accelerator” after helping force the clubs to change tack, and said it was vital football did not try to ignore or dilute the recommendations of the fan-led review launched by the government in response to the Super League news.

The PFA expressed its pride at how its members had “stood up for the game they love” in rejecting the proposals.